Braves Release 2018 Comeback Player of the Year Jonny Venters
By Adam Godfrey
The Atlanta Braves are currently two games back of the Philadelphia Phillies for first place in the NL East.
The Braves, however, have had some players struggle throughout the season despite their limited success, one of them being 34-year-old pitcher Jonny Venters.
On Saturday, the Braves released Venters, and recalled left-handed pitcher Jerry Blevins from their Triple-A affiliate.
The Braves today signed LHP Jerry Blevins to a major league contract and he will be available for tonight’s game. LHP Jonny Venters was granted his unconditional release.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 18, 2019
Venters has appeared in nine games in the 2019 MLB season in which he has only totaled 4.2 innings pitched with one save on the year. He has allowed 13 runs against seven strikeouts in his time with the Braves this season. This is a stark contrast from 2018, in which Venters won MLB comeback player of the year and was a fan favorite in Atlanta. He's struggled to stay healthy so far this season.
Venters has appeared in 289 games in his career, mostly with the Braves, but also pitched for the Tampa Bay Rays for a brief stint. He has a 20-12 career record, with 10 saves in 268.2 career innings pitched, along with 292 strikeouts.
Game ?! pic.twitter.com/v2Dh0s86kM
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 18, 2019
Atlanta released Venters just before their game against the Milwaukee Brewers for the final game of their two game series.