Braves to Reportedly Re-Sign Pitcher Josh Tomlin to Minor-League Deal

As baseball's many pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training this week to start the year's cycle anew, the Braves are giving another chance to someone who wrote his redemption story well in 2019.

Josh Tomlin, the 35-year-old from Tyler, Texas, revived his career out of Atlanta's bullpen in '19, and the team has chosen to give him another shot... if he can earn that roster spot once again.

Tomlin's agreed to a minor-league deal with the Braves, just ahead of the wire.

Josh Tomlin is returning to the Braves with a Minor League deal.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) February 12, 2020

After losing his way in Cleveland in 2018, pitching to a 6.14 ERA, Tomlin rebounded from the brink last season, throwing to a 3.74 mark in 51 appearances (one singular start). He doesn't miss bats, he doesn't shy from contact, and yet somehow, it all worked last season.

If we're dealing with one season's worth of magic, then it's no risk for the Braves, a team that has worked hard to solidify their core bullpen pieces this offseason before addressing the fringe.

Well, #Braves have said on multiple occasions since Will Smith signed that Melancon is still the closer, with Smith as an option to close as well. I personally wouldn't be surprised if Smith moves into the role should Melancon struggle, but they say it stars out Melancon closing. https://t.co/pKgrML6bwz
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) February 11, 2020

Will Smith, Shane Greene, and Mark Melancon will get the bulk of the high-leverage work. If Tomlin can prove he's still able to eat innings when called upon, however, he'll settle back into his role seamlessly.