The Athletics have added another left-handed arm to their pitching depth, announcing that they claimed pitcher Connor Thomas off waivers from the Atlanta Braves.
The move gives Oakland a controllable reliever with major league experience while bringing an end to Thomas’ brief stint in Atlanta’s organization.
To make room for other roster moves, the Braves designated Thomas for assignment, allowing the Athletics to step in and claim the 28-year-old before he could clear waivers.
The transaction continues a busy stretch of roster activity for both clubs as the trade deadline approaches and teams reshape their pitching staffs.
Thomas joined the Braves on a minor league contract before the 2026 season and worked his way onto the major league roster after an impressive campaign with Triple-A Gwinnett.
He was recalled multiple times as Atlanta searched for bullpen stability, serving primarily as a long reliever capable of covering multiple innings.
Despite showing flashes of promise, Thomas found himself caught in the Braves’ frequent roster shuffle, as the club repeatedly optioned and recalled pitchers in an effort to keep the bullpen fresh during a demanding stretch of the schedule.
For the Athletics, the waiver claim represents a low-risk opportunity to evaluate a pitcher who has enjoyed considerable success in the minor leagues.
Thomas has demonstrated excellent command and the ability to generate weak contact, attributes that helped him post strong numbers at Triple-A this season.
While his major league sample size remains limited, Oakland’s front office believes he can compete for a meaningful bullpen role, particularly as the club continues to look for reliable left-handed pitching options for both the remainder of the season and beyond.
The move also highlights the unpredictable nature of roster management late in the season. For Atlanta, losing Thomas is the cost of maintaining flexibility on the 40-man roster while addressing immediate needs.
For the Athletics, however, it is an opportunity to acquire a pitcher with upside at no acquisition cost beyond a waiver claim.
Thomas will now report to his new organization with a chance to establish himself in Oakland’s bullpen, while the Braves turn their attention to replacing another arm as they continue their push through the final months of the regular season.
