Edwards to Braves on Minors deal (report)

Right-handed reliever Carl Edwards Jr. has agreed to a Minor League deal with the Braves, according to a report from MLB Network insider Jon Heyman on Friday. The club has not confirmed the agreement.

The 29-year-old Edwards was a mainstay in the Cubs' bullpen from 2016-18, helping Chicago win the World Series in '16 and posting a 3.03 ERA and 34 percent strikeout rate over that period. He started to scuffle in '19, when he pitched to an 8.47 ERA over 22 appearances before the Cubs traded him to the Padres.

Edwards only made two appearances for San Diego, surrendering six runs in 1 2/3 innings before being released. He joined the Mariners last season, but forearm issues limited him to just 4 2/3 innings over five appearances.

The Braves could use some relievers, particularly with Mark Melancon and Shane Greene currently free agents. Atlanta will hope there is something left in Edwards' arm -- at 29 years old and with a mid-90s fastball, it certainly wouldn't be a surprise if Edwards made the Major League roster.