Braves acquire Ramirez from Mariners
ATLANTA -- When the Braves learned Jose Ramirez's powerful right arm was available at a minimal cost, they heeded the advice of their employees who had become very familiar with him back when he was a Yankees prospect.
The Braves acquired Ramirez from the Mariners on Friday in exchange for a player to be named and cash considerations. This was a low-risk move to enhance the organization's bullpen depth with the addition of a power pitcher.
Ramirez made his first eight Major League appearances for the 2014 Yankees, and then he was traded to the Mariners midway through the 2015 season. The 25-year-old right-hander's fastball can touch 100 mph, and he's got a developing changeup, too. Inconsistent command has led to the 8.66 ERA he has compiled over 16 big league appearances.
International scouting guru Gordon Blakeley joined the Braves last year, after a long stint with the Yankees, making him one of the members of the Atlanta front office who were familiar with Ramirez. The righty transitioned from starting pitcher to reliever before the 2014 season, primarily because he has battled injuries, namely oblique strains.
Ramirez has recorded 15 strikeouts and issued 17 walks in the 17 2/3 innings he has compiled at the big league level. He notched 66 strikeouts and issued 30 walks over the 62 2/3 innings he compiled at the Triple-A level for the Yankees and the Mariners this year.