The Atlanta Braves announced earlier today that they’ve acquired RHP Anthony Swarzak and cash considerations from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for LHP Jesse Biddle and Arodys Vizcaino.
Biddle, 27, has posted a 5.40 ERA so far this year, but is a former first round pick and has three years of control left after this season. With his early season struggles, the Braves DFA’d the lefty last week. Although, last season Biddle was a key piece to the NL East champs bullpen as he posted a 3.11 ERA over 62 innings of work.
Vizcaino has been on the 60-Day Injured List for most of the season after having surgery to fix a scar tissue injury in his right elbow in late April. He is a free agent at the end of the season, but will miss the rest of the season, at the very least.
Swarzak, the former Met, has posted a 5.27 ERA in 13.2 innings this year and has walked eight batters. He is under contract for the rest of the 2019 season at 8.5 million dollars.
It is also of note that the Braves are adding money to their payroll with this move, depending on the cash coming back from Seattle, and this may effect their pursuit of free agents Craig Kimbrel or Dallas Keuchel.
