In an effort to prepare for Spring Training, the Atlanta Braves have been signing left-handed pitcher Brian Moran to a minor league contract in recent days. On February 4, Moran was assigned to Triple-A Gwinnett and signed a contract with Atlanta.
The 35-year-old left-hander, who was previously selected in the seventh round of the 2009 MLB Draft, recently played all 2023 season for Triple-A Gwinnett. Moran had a 2-1 record over 47.2 IP, which included 38 relief appearances, a 3.21 ERA, a 58:20 K/BB ratio, and two saves.
Moran has only played in 18 combined relief appearances in the major leagues during his professional career (11.1 IP). The first of those occurred in 2019, the season he made his MLB debut with the Miami Marlins, going 6.1 IP with a 4.26 ERA and a 10:2 K/BB ratio.
In addition, he is the brother of Colin Moran, a former player with the Reds, Pirates, and Astros. It’s kind of great that Brian struck out his brother on his major league debut.
Moran last appeared in the major leagues in 2022, making one appearance for the Los Angeles Angels. He also had a total 4.2 IP between the Marlins and Toronto Blue Jays in 2020.
Moran has a combined 2-0 record in his MLB career with a 7.94 ERA, 17:9 K/BB ratio in 11.1 IP, and a -0.1 WAR.
Going forward, Moran was sent to Triple-A Gwinnett, as previously noted, and will open the 2024 season with the Stripers. The left-hander is probably going to be a minor league depth option coming into the season, and he may see time with the Braves in 2024, but it’s likely to be in a limited capacity because Atlanta has so many options in the bullpen and there aren’t any openings to start the season.
