Braves claim $4M reliever off waivers from Dodgers — brother of Atlanta's most-hated rival

Braves claim $4M reliever off waivers from Dodgers — brother of Atlanta’s most-hated rival originally appeared on The Sporting News

The Atlanta Braves are just trying to make it to the end of the regular season after the worst one they have had in several years. The Braves are expected to make numerous changes to the roster next season, and some moves are already underway with waiver additions. Additionally, manager Brian Snitker is expected to retire at the end of the season.

“Because of that consistent recent success, Snit would normally be afforded a ‘mulligan’ year—even though going from the second-best preseason World Series odds to possibly the third-best odds of winning the draft lottery is a pretty serious mulligan,” Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller wrote. “At 69, though, he’s already the oldest manager in the National League by a several-year margin and was likely to retire at the end of this season, which is the last one in his current contract.”

The Braves are still adding to the team this season, focusing mostly on pitching, as Atlanta has struggled to keep players healthy. On Sunday, they claimed Alexis Diaz off waivers.

“The Braves have claimed Alexis Diaz off waivers from the Dodgers, according to David O’Brien of The Athletic. Atlanta has space available on its 40-man roster, so no corresponding move is necessary to bring Diaz into the organization,” MLBtraderumors.com’s Nick Deeds wrote.

Diaz was just released by the defending World Series Champion Dodgers earlier in the week.

“The Dodgers announced that they have selected the contract of catcher Ben Rortvedt, a move that was previously reported. In corresponding moves, they optioned infielder Alex Freeland and designated right-hander Alexis Díaz for assignment,” MLBtraderumors.com’s Darragh McDonald wrote.

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This will be interesting to monitor, as Alexis Diaz is the brother of Braves’ longtime rival Edwin Diaz. The Braves and Edwin have had their fair share of moments over the years, so it is kind of full circle for Alexis to now pitch in Atlanta. There is no doubt this is a unique experience for Alexis, as he now plays for his brother’s rival team.