The Atlanta Braves made a move to bolster their recently-beleagured bullpen on Tuesday, making a move for Rangers righty Chris Martin.
Atlanta’s move for Martin is a straight-up swap with the NL East leaders sending left-handed pitcher Kolby Allard to the Texas Rangers.
Despite ranking eighth in the Majors with a 4.15 bullpen ERA, it has become clear in recent weeks that the Braves are looking for bullpen help after key arms such as Anthony Swarzak and Luke Jackson have struggled.
Martin should provide just that for the Braves as a powerful right-handed arm that strikes out plenty of batters and allows few walks. Not only has he recorded a quality 3.08 ERA this season, he’s also put up a fantastic 43:4 strikeout to walk ratio in 38 innings of work this season.
The Arlington, Texas native leaves his hometown franchise after joining the Rangers back in 2018. He’s had quite a journeyman career, spending time with the Rockies and Yankees as well as in Japan.
Now, the Braves, who hold a 5.5 game lead over the Washington Nationals in the NL East, will count on Martin to give their bullpen a sorely-needed upgrade. He could even get the opportunity to serve as Atlanta’s closer, making him their most depended-upon bullpen arm.
