The Atlanta Braves find themselves in a difficult stretch after being swept by the Minnesota Twins, with an especially demanding road trip ahead that will see the club travel to four different cities over five consecutive days.
Amid the challenging period, Atlanta has also made a notable change to its bullpen.
The Braves announced Tuesday that they had released veteran reliever Tyler Kinley, choosing to move on from the right-hander rather than option another bullpen arm or designate recently recalled Ray Kerr for assignment.
Kinley joined Atlanta at last season’s trade deadline after the Braves acquired him from the Colorado Rockies in exchange for minor-league pitcher Austin Smith. At the time, the move was viewed as a low-risk opportunity to strengthen the bullpen.
His first few weeks with Atlanta appeared to justify that decision. Kinley was outstanding after arriving, posting a 0.41 ERA and 0.73 WHIP across 22 innings in 21 appearances. He also recorded nearly a strikeout per inning, quickly becoming one of the team’s more effective under-the-radar additions.
However, his performance declined significantly this season. His struggles, combined with a reduced role in Atlanta’s bullpen, eventually made him expendable as the Braves looked for ways to reshape their pitching staff.
Kinley had earned approximately $12 million over his professional career, making his release another significant development for the veteran pitcher. Atlanta had previously considered retaining him through a club option for the following season, but his recent struggles appear to have changed the organization’s plans.
The Braves are still attempting to find the right combination in both their bullpen and starting rotation. Moving on from Kinley represents a calculated risk as Atlanta evaluates its pitching options for the remainder of the season.
For Kinley, the decision brings an end to his tenure with the Braves and leaves the nine-year veteran searching for another opportunity to revive his career.
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