Atlanta Braves Acquire Right-Handed Pitcher From Rays

The Atlanta Braves recently completed a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, acquiring right-handed pitcher Ben Heller in exchange for international bonus pool money.

Heller, who had been designated for assignment by the Rays, joins the Braves organization and will be sent to their Triple-A affiliate, the Gwinnett team.

#Rays trade RHP Ben Heller, who was DFA’d last week, to #Braves for international signing bonus pool money.

— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) June 6, 2023

Prior to the trade, Heller had been playing at the Triple-A level with the Durham Bulls and had not made an appearance in a Major League Baseball game since 2020.

The 31-year-old pitcher brings major league experience from his time with the New York Yankees, where he made 31 relief appearances and displayed promise with a 2.59 ERA.

#Braves made a minor trade with the Rays, acquiring RHP Ben Heller in exchange for international bonus pool money.

Heller, 31, has a 3.95 ERA with 11.2 K/9 and 1.39 WHIP in AAA. Pitched parts of 4 seasons with Yankees. Atlanta optioned him to Gwinnett. OF Nick Solak was DFA'd.

— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) June 6, 2023

With the Braves facing pitching challenges due to injuries, Heller's addition provides valuable depth for their staff at the Triple-A level.

So far this season, Heller has shown strong performances at times at Triple-A, boasting a decent 3.95 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, and an impressive 34/8 K/BB ratio in 18 appearances across 27.1 innings. Photo Credit: Dave Nelson-USA TODAY Sports