According to MLB.com’s transaction tracker, the Braves have signed reliever Tommy Doyle to a minor league contract. It appears he will be invited to MLB Spring Training.
Doyle was a free agent for a little more than a week. When the Rockies acquired Cal Quantrill from the Guardians, the right-hander was designated for assignment as the equivalent move. Colorado non-tendered him directly from DFA limbo, so Doyle was never placed on waivers (as is usually the case for DFA players who are not transferred).
For the first time, he found himself in free agency. Doyle, a third-round choice by Colorado in 2017, made his MLB debut at the end of the abbreviated season. The Rox purchased him outright from the 40-man roster a year later but reselected his contract this past July.
In the second half, the Virginia native saw his most extended major level action out of the Rox’s bullpen. He participated in 15 games and pitched 23 2/3 innings. Doyle pitched to a 6.85 ERA while striking out 17.5% of batters and walking 12.6%. Things improved significantly in Triple-A, as he had a 3.41 ERA in 37 innings despite pitching in a hostile home environment in Albuquerque. Doyle struck out 26.6% of batters faced at the top minor league level, despite a very troubling 11.7% walk percentage.
The Atlanta bullpen is unlikely to see many season-opening opportunities. Raisel Iglesias, A.J. Minter, Joe Jiménez, Pierce Johnson, Reynaldo López, Tyler Matzek, and Aaron Bummer have all committed to the Braves. Even if López works his way out of the starting lineup, as the organisation has advised, there will only be about two spots available if everyone is healthy. Dylan Lee or Daysbel Hernández might get first go at such positions. Doyle is expected to start the season in Triple-A Gwinnett as a depth option.
Leave a Reply