The Braves announced on Tuesday that they recalled Jesse Biddle and Wes Parsons from Gwinnett.
The Braves today recalled RHP Wes Parsons from Triple-A Gwinnett and returned LHP Jesse Biddle from his major league rehabilitation assignment and reinstated him from the 10-day IL. In order to make room on the active roster, the club designated LHP Jerry Blevins for assignment.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 14, 2019
In a corresponding move, Atlanta designated reliever Jerry Blevins for assignment. The Braves acquired Blevins only a few weeks ago, but he unsurprisingly turned out not to be the answer to their ongoing bullpen issues. The team also option Kyle Wright to Gwinnett yesterday to make room for Parsons and Biddle.
Biddle’s 3.18 ERA doesn’t do justice to how abysmal he was to start the season in Atlanta. He didn’t give up a bevy of hard contact – rather he literally could not throw a strike. In his last 2.2 innings, he walked eight batters and gave up six runs. It was a mental problem for Biddle, but he is approaching his final opportunity to prove he can stick with the Braves for the long haul.
Parsons was a spring training standout that rightfully earned his way onto the major league roster to begin the season– primarily because he did what everyone else in the Braves’ pen could not – throw strikes. Unfortunately, his ability to paint the edges did not transfer when the games began to count. Parsons has walked eight batters in 10.1 innings, leading to a 4.35 ERA. Even though he’s been better in Gwinnett, he has still handed opponents four free passes in seven innings pitched.
With all the maneuvering, Atlanta has found some semblance of arms they can trust in relief, but not nearly enough, and who knows how long they will stay trustworthy. The Braves need players like Parsons and Biddle to live up to their potential for the remainder of the year.