Reliever Jonny Venters released by the Atlanta Braves
By Jake Misener
A former elite setup man, Jonny Venters has now come full circle after the Atlanta Braves released the 29-year-old on Friday after designating him for assignment earlier in the week.
The move, which was announced via the MLB.com transactions page, comes after Venters failed to make an appearance at either the Major or Minor League level in each of the past two seasons. His last campaign, which came back in 2012, was not quite up-to-par with his All-Star-caliber performance of 2011, but he still posted a respectable 3.22 ERA and 3.76 FIP across 66 appearances for the Braves.
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In 2011, the southpaw was utterly dominant, appearing in 85 games totaling 88 innings, posting a minuscule 1.84 earned run average, while averaging 9.8 strikeouts per nine, en route to his first career All-Star selection in just the second season of his big league career. He broke onto the scene in 2010 by finishing eighth in the National League Rookie of the Year Award voting, making 66 appearances with a 2.69 FIP and 1.205 WHIP across 83 innings.
Atlanta has several other left-handed bullpen options in the mix, including Luis Avilan, James Russell and Ian Thomas – all of whom will likely see time with the big league club in 2015. Russell was acquired via trade with the Chicago Cubs during the 2014 season, along with utility player Emilio Bonifacio, who is currently a free agent.
Interest in Venters will surely be high, despite the fact he has now underwent a trio of Tommy John surgeries during his career – including one that took place late this summer after the left-hander re-tore the ligament in his pitching elbow while rehabbing.
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