The Atlanta Braves have parted ways with veteran reliever Tyler Kinley after making room for right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver on the 40-man roster.
Kinley was designated for assignment despite recently delivering a scoreless appearance against the Twins, and after clearing waivers unclaimed, Atlanta opted to release him rather than outright him to Triple-A.
Kinley spent the last two seasons with Atlanta, appearing in 73 games and recording a solid 2.79 ERA with 64 strikeouts over 67⅔ innings.
Despite those dependable numbers, his nine home runs allowed in 49 appearances this season became a concern for the Braves as they reshaped their pitching staff.
The roster crunch also played a major role in the decision. Smith-Shawver’s promotion temporarily gave Atlanta a six-man rotation, leaving fewer bullpen spots available, while the expected return of right-handed setup man Robert Suarez from the injured list could soon provide another high-leverage option.
With Kinley now a free agent, the Braves could still attempt to bring him back on a minor-league contract, but the 33-year-old will also be free to pursue an opportunity elsewhere.
His departure closes his two-year run in Atlanta despite providing the club with generally reliable bullpen work.
