Atlanta Braves: Jonny Venters looking to keep pitching
After a rough season, former Atlanta Braves reliever Jonny Venters is looking to continue his career.
2019 was a season to forget for Jonny Venters. He began the season with the Atlanta Braves, but struggled mightily, allowing 13 runs (nine earned) on nine hits and eight walks over his 4,2 innings. Released on May 18, he signed with the Washington Nationals, allowing three runs on three hits and two walks over his 3.1 innings.
His time with the Nationals came to an early end, as the 34 year old reliever required surgery to repair a torn capsule in his left shoulder. That procedure will keep him from even throwing a baseball until December, putting his future very much into doubt.
However, that does not mean that Venters is ready to call it a career. Instead, he is hoping to get another chance this offseason, expecting a minor league contract if another team has interest.
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For a time, Venters was one of the best relievers in the game. In his first three seasons, he posted a stellar 2.23 ERA and a 1.241 WHiP, striking out 258 batters in his 229.1 innings. However, he missed the next five years due to two Tommy John surgeries, and another elbow procedure.
Finally, in 2018, he made his return to the majors. Originally signed by the Rays on a minor league deal, he found his way back to Atlanta at the trade deadline, becoming a solid part of the Braves bullpen. Venters posted a 3.67 ERA and a 1.223 WHiP, striking out 27 batters with 16 walks in his 34.1 innings. He was a ground ball machine, with a 64.9% ground ball rate, helping him return as a valuable lefty arm.
Obviously, Venters faces a long road back. But he has been down such a road before, having had three Tommy John surgeries. And, he trains with teammate Aaron Barrett, who also spent years working to return to the majors after arm injuries. Maybe it will be a long shot, but Venters has faced much longer odds before.
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Former Atlanta Braves reliever Jonny Venters is not ready to call it a career. If he can get another chance, we may see him on a major league mound again next year.