Braves formalize Pierzynski, Grilli signings, ink Outman to deal
ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Braves invoked a 3-for-1 approach to roster additions on Wednesday, confirming the expected signings of reliever Jason Grilli and catcher A.J. Pierzynski, while doubly announcing that left-handed pitcher had inked a one-year pact with the club.
Over the holiday season, the acquisitions of Grilli (45 saves from 2013-14) and Pierzynski (17-year on-base percentage of .320; Silver Slugger award in 2012) were made public. But the Outman news became official on this day, with the southpaw posting a 4-0 mark and 2.86 ERA in 40 relief appearances with the Yankees and Indians last year.
The 38-year-old Grilli was an All-Star with the Pirates two years ago, racking up career highs with ERA (2.70), saves (33) and WHIP (1.06). The 2014 campaign was split between Pittsburgh and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, where the right-hander saved 12 games over 54 innings.
With the Braves, Grilli will likely be one of the Braves' primary setup men in the late innings, leading up to save opportunities for Craig Kimbrel -- baseball's best closer over the last four seasons (2011-14).
Pierzynski, a two-time All Star with the Twins (2002) and White Sox (2006), combined for 44 homers and 147 RBI for the 2012-13 seasons. As a backup to catching prospect Christian Bethancourt, Pierzynski. 38, may still have enough pop in his bat for spot starts and other situations.
The Outman addition gives the Braves a little more flexibility in the bullpen, given last week's trade of lefty Chasen Shreve to the Yankees. Charting the last three seasons (2012-14 with the Rockies, Indians and Yankees), Outman tallied 119 strikeouts over 123 innings of work.
Of equal relevance, according to the Braves, left-handed hitters have produced a paltry batting average of .186 against Outman, dating back to 2008.
