The Braves added another arm to a rotation that has been battered by injuries, claiming right-hander Michael Grove off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday and sending him straight to Triple-A Gwinnett after the move was finalized.
Atlanta’s need for pitching depth has only grown in recent days. Reynaldo Lopez landed on the 15-day injured list earlier this week after a rough start against the Chicago Cubs, leaving the Braves even thinner in a second half already defined by absences on the mound.
Grove arrives with some major league experience and a clear split between what he showed in Tampa Bay and what he did in the minors. The Rays designated him for assignment on September 12 after a partial season in which he made three big-league appearances, logging a 5.14 ERA with six strikeouts over seven innings while working back from right shoulder surgery.
At Triple-A Durham, though, the results were much better. Grove posted a 1.39 WHIP with 39 strikeouts across 33 innings.
“The #Braves today also claimed RHP Michael Grove off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays and optioned him to Triple-A Gwinnett.”
Grove also brings some versatility to the organization. He can start or work out of the bullpen, and he made 20 big-league starts with the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2022 to 2024. A second-round pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, he has shown flashes at the highest level when healthy.
For now, he’s headed to Gwinnett as depth. But with Atlanta short on dependable starting options and the postseason approaching, Grove could work his way back into the conversation if he performs well enough.
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