Up until recently, it seemed likely that the Atlanta Braves would go with a bullpen game tonight. However, that plan has changed, as the team has decided to call up a starter from within the organization. Right-hander Nathan Wiles has been promoted and is expected to take the mound this evening for Atlanta.
The Braves officially selected Wiles to the major league roster today and, in a corresponding move, released right-hander Amos Willingham. Additionally, following last night’s game, Michael Petersen was optioned back to Triple-A Gwinnett.
Wiles joined the Braves earlier this spring in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, shortly after the two teams faced off in a spring training matchup. Originally drafted by Tampa Bay, Wiles spent six seasons in their system before the trade. Since joining the Braves, he’s made three starts at the Triple-A level, posting a stellar 0.64 ERA and a 2.38 FIP, along with a 27.8% strikeout rate and a 9.3% walk rate. With those numbers, it’s clear the Braves believe he’s ready to step in, likely as a temporary starter while Spencer Strider remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.
As for Michael Petersen, his brief stint with the big league club was short-lived — he threw two scoreless innings before being sent back down, echoing the famous Simpsons gif of Grandpa walking in, turning around, and walking right back out. Willingham, on the other hand, had started the season with Triple-A Gwinnett after being claimed off waivers in January but now finds himself released and looking for a new team.
In the meantime, the Braves have a clearer plan for managing the rotation until Strider returns. Nathan Wiles will get the opportunity to show what he can do — and the team will be hoping his MLB debut is a strong one.
