Brian Matusz to Braves: Latest Trade Details, Comments and Reaction

Source: bleacherreport.com --- Monday, May 23, 2016
The atlanta Braves added some depth to their bullpen Monday, when they acquired left-handed pitcher Brian Matusz from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for minor league pitchers Brandon Barker and Trevor Belicek, per Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com. Kubatko noted the Braves also received the Orioles’ competitive-balance draft pick (No. 76 overall). MLB Roster Moves confirmed the news. While the 12-31 Braves could use the help on the field,  Mark Bowman  of MLB.com reported they are expected to designate Matusz for assignment. "So they essentially took his remaining salary ($3.9 million) to gain the 76th pick,” he noted. Jon Heyman of MLB Network confirmed the Braves did designate the pitcher for assignment.  atlanta is in clear rebuilding mode after a disappointing start to the season, and  Bowman  pointed out it has five of the first 80 picks in the draft (Nos. 3, 40, 44, 76 and 80). Even if it doesn’t benefit from those selections for a couple of years, that type of asset stockpiling should help it return to a competitive level in the National League East in the future. As for Matusz, he has been a disappointment this season in limited action. He sports an ugly 12.00 ERA and 3.00 WHIP in seven appearances and has allowed 11 hits, three of which were home runs, in six innings of work. The good news for the Braves or any team that eventually picks him up is the fact that it's a small sample size, and Matusz’s recent track suggests ...