Fansided

Braves sign pitching depth amid slew of injuries, but it’s not enough

By Mark Powell

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MAY 14: Nick Margevicius #52 of the Seattle Mariners looks on before the game against the Cleveland Indians at T-Mobile Park on May 14, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MAY 14: Nick Margevicius #52 of the Seattle Mariners looks on before the game against the Cleveland Indians at T-Mobile Park on May 14, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /
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The Atlanta Braves signed pitcher Nick Margevicius to a minor-league contract, though some expect him to make the jump to the big-league team amid recent injury concerns.

Now, this isn’t to say that Nick Margevicius will be in the Braves big-league rotation anytime soon, but Atlanta clearly sees some level of talent in him.

Alex Anthopoulos is well aware of the team’s injury concerns, especially in the pitching staff. Max Fried remains out. Kyle Wright just came back, but there’s no guarantee he’ll be as productive. Ian Anderson is undergoing Tommy John surgery. Jared Shuster and Dylan Dodd are inconsistent. Mike Soroka is inconsistent at best, and cannot be counted on to stay healthy.

It’s a mess right now, but all will be figured out by an executive like Anthopoulos. Perhaps signing Margevicius will turn out to be the move that puts the Braves over the hump. Or, more likely, that decision is somewhere down the line.

Braves: Who is Nick Margevicius?

Margevicius hasn’t pitched in the big leagues since 2021, and has been injured much of the time since. He’s expected to make several stops on his way back to the bigs. First, he’ll report to the team’s Florida complex and then eventually Triple-A Gwinnett.

MLB Trade Rumors summarized Margevicius resumé in their report of his signing:

"“Margevicius doesn’t throw hard. His fastball generally sits a little below 90 MPH. He’s shown excellent control in his minor league career, walking a mere 4.4% of opposing hitters. His 8.1% walk rate at the major league level is closer to average, but the lack of free passes has helped him manage a decent 4.04 ERA across 301 minor league innings.”"

He was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome, which ended his 2021 season. His best season was in 2020, when he had a 4.57 ERA, so it’s safe to consider this a real flyer by an Atlanta team that needs pitching help in their rotation and bullpen.

Organization pitching depth is key, and right now the Braves don’t have much of it.

Next. MLB Rumors: Tyler O’Neill’s future, Braves buzz, NY Mets mistakes. dark

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