Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Braves add another piece to their bullpen

Originally posted on SportsTalkATL | By Chase Irle | Last updated 1/6/23

Not long after the news broke that Luke Jackson is close to signing a deal with the Giants, the Braves added another potential piece to their bullpen, signing Yacksel Rios to a minor-league deal with an invite to Spring Training.

Congrats to our client, pitcher Yacksel Rios, on signing w/ the Atlanta @Braves, which includes an invitation to Major League Spring Training. He is currently playing winter ball in Puerto Rico & has 27.2 IP w/ 0.65 ERA, 34 Ks & 4 BBs #Braves #MLB #TeamESM @mlbpuertorico pic.twitter.com/6danyA83Jz

— Gavin Kahn (@Gavin_Kahn) January 6, 2023

Rios is 29 and has spent several stints in the majors with little success, owning a 5.77 ERA over 96.2 innings. But as the tweet suggests, his winter ball numbers in Puerto Rico were bound to catch some interest from organizations, and the Braves pounced.

I’m not sure what to expect from Rios. It’s very possible he never spends a second in Atlanta. But I will say, these are the type of contracts where Alex Anthopoulos has worked his magic. Jackson Stephens was found in the Mexican League before signing with the Braves, and before him, Tyler Matzek was discovered in the Independent League. Here’s to hoping Rios is the next diamond in the rough to have success in Atlanta’s bullpen.

This article first appeared on SportsTalkATL and was syndicated with permission.

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