Braves bolster bullpen with trade for Swarzak
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SAN FRANCISCO -- The Braves hope they gained stability as well as talent for their bullpen Monday by acquiring right-hander Anthony Swarzak from the Seattle Mariners for right-hander Arodys Vizcaino and left-hander Jesse Biddle.
With Vizcaino sidelined for the season following shoulder surgery last month, the Braves sought a steadying presence. Swarzak seems capable of filling that description, with 331 career appearances in slightly more than seven big league seasons of service time.
"It's good to have an experienced veteran to add to our bullpen," Braves manager Brian Snitker said of Swarzak, 33.
Swarzak compiled a 2-2 record with a 5.27 ERA in 15 games with Seattle this season. He accumulated 17 strikeouts but also eight walks in 13 2/3 innings. Snitker hinted that joining the Braves could help Swarzak realize his full potential.
With the help of the Braves' organization and perhaps evaluative technology such as TrackMan, Snitker said that Swarzak might "finally figure something out or we'll have something to help him or have him maximize what's going on."
Swarzak's best season was 2017, which he divided between the White Sox and Brewers. In 70 appearances, he finished 6-4 with a 2.33 ERA, two saves and 91 strikeouts in 77 1/3 innings.