Atlanta Braves Place 7-Year Veteran Pitcher On Waivers

The Atlanta Braves recently made a roster move, designating 36-year-old left-handed pitcher Lucas Luetge for assignment.

Luetge's tenure with the Braves has been marked by a series of roster changes throughout the season.

Despite some challenges, he briefly appeared in a game against the Philadelphia Phillies, delivering two scoreless innings.

#Braves activated RHP Jesse Chavez from the 60-day IL and DFA'd LHP Lucas Luetge.

Nick Anderson, Daysbel Hernández, and Collin McHugh will all begin rehab assignments with Triple-A Gwinnett tonight.

— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) September 19, 2023

This move allows other teams the opportunity to potentially claim Luetge through the waiver process, as he is now removed from the Braves' 40-man roster.

Having been acquired from the New York Yankees in an offseason trade, Luetge's performance during the season has been inconsistent, with 11 earned runs allowed in 13.2 innings of relief pitching at the major-league level.

With over three years of major league service time, Luetge has the option to reject an outright assignment and become a free agent.

.@therabody injury update:

The #Braves today returned RHP Jesse Chavez from his rehabilitation assignment and reinstated him from the 60-day injured list, and designated LHP Lucas Luetge for assignment. Additionally, RHPs Nick Anderson, Daysbel Hernández and Collin McHugh… pic.twitter.com/kEN7jSGzpd

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) September 19, 2023

However, this choice would require him to forfeit the remainder of his $1.55 million salary.

The outcome now depends on whether he clears waivers and accepts an outright assignment, as he has done earlier in the season, or opts for free agency.

Over his seven-year career, the 36-year-old holds a solid 3.60 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, with 226 strikeouts across 232.1 innings and 230 appearances. Photo Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports