BRAVES LAND VETERAN RELIEVER AYALA
The Atlanta Braves acquired pitcher Luis Ayala from the Baltimore Orioles for pitcher Chris Jones.
What does it give the Atlanta Braves
In Ayala, the Braves add a veteran righty reliever with a fairly rubber arm. The 35-year-old Mexican has a wealth of experience in pitching the middle innings, but has also been used as a setup man on occasion. The Braves needed some depth because lefty reliever {P Jonny Venters} (elbow, 15-day DL) may not pitch this season.
What does it give the Baltimore Orioles
Jones is a lefty reliever who can strike plenty of batters out. The 24-year-old has yet to reach Triple-A ball, however, so he may not factor into Baltimore's 2013 plans. Still, he is a pretty good bullpen prospect for a team that can probably wait on him. The Orioles were shopping Ayala since spring training and finally found a taker for his services.
Fantasy impact
Ayala won't get save chances in Atlanta, but he may be a decent source for holds in those fantasy leagues with expanded formats. Jones has some sleeper appeal as a potential future closer but that won't be for a while.
