Atlanta Braves Returning Rule 5 Pick

That success prompted Atlanta to select Pilar in the Rule 5 draft, providing the club with an opportunity to evaluate him up close during spring training. Unfortunately for Pilar, his spring numbers didn’t measure up, as he struggled to a 9.00 ERA in six appearances. Over that span, he struck out 12 hitters but also surrendered 10 hits and six walks, totaling nine earned runs allowed.

Rule 5 selections must remain on the selecting team's major league roster or be placed on waivers before being offered back to their original team. It's not immediately clear whether Pilar has cleared waivers yet. Should he ultimately return to Miami, the Marlins could retain him without using a spot on their 40-man roster.

Atlanta initially brought two Rule 5 selections into camp, with Pilar joined by infielder Christian Cairo, whom they picked up from Cleveland. Cairo has also struggled in spring action, batting just .179, casting doubt on his future with the Braves as well.

The Braves have actively sought cost-effective bullpen solutions throughout the offseason, signing several veteran relievers to minor league deals, including Craig Kimbrel, Héctor Neris, Enyel De Los Santos, Buck Farmer, and Chasen Shreve. The team has already begun roster adjustments, trading Angel Perdomo to the Angels and releasing Jake Diekman, moves designed to alleviate a roster crunch ahead of Opening Day.