The Braves continued adding to their collection of relievers Friday, claiming right-hander Chase Whitley off waivers from the Rays.
Whitley, 28, posted a 4.08 ERA with 43 strikeouts, 16 walks and two saves in 57 1/3 innings this past season. A former 15th-round Draft pick of the Yankees who went to the Rays on a waiver claim following the 2015 season, Whitley owns a career 4.48 ERA in 74 appearances, including 17 starts. He missed most of the 2015 and '16 seasons recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Whitley joins a bullpen that will feature a new look come Opening Day. The Braves traded former closer Jim Johnson to the Angels for left-hander Justin Kelly on Thursday, and reportedly have interest in adding a seasoned closer or setup man to their mix this offseason.