Braves Surprisingly Cut Ties With Long-Time MLB Veteran

The Atlanta Braves made a notable roster move this week, designating right-handed pitcher Tyler Kinley for assignment to clear a spot for the recall of prospect AJ Smith-Shawver from Triple-A Gwinnett.

Smith-Shawver was slotted to start in the series finale against the Minnesota Twins, marking the end of Kinley’s tenure with the club after roughly a year in the Atlanta bullpen.

Kinley, 35, has been a major league fixture since his debut in 2018 with the Minnesota Twins. He later pitched for the Miami Marlins and spent the bulk of his career with the Colorado Rockies before the Braves acquired him in a midseason trade during the 2025 campaign. That move proved transformative.

After arriving in Atlanta, Kinley dominated out of the bullpen, posting a 5-0 record and a sparkling 0.72 ERA over 25 innings in 24 appearances. His success prompted the Braves to re-sign him in January 2026 to a one-year deal worth $4.25 million, structured as a $3 million salary with a $1.25 million buyout on a $5.5 million club option for 2027.

In 2026, Kinley appeared in 49 games for Atlanta, going 6-5 with a 4.01 ERA, 42 strikeouts, and one save across 42⅔ innings. He pitched effectively through the first half of the season, carrying a 3.00 ERA over his first 30 innings with solid strikeout and walk rates.

However, a rough stretch after the All-Star break—including a 6.00 ERA and elevated home run rate in limited recent work—contributed to the decision. Opponents began making more consistent contact against his slider, a pitch that had been particularly effective the prior year.

The move came after the trade deadline, limiting the Braves’ options. Kinley was later released, becoming a free agent once he cleared waivers.

Atlanta remains responsible for the remaining portion of his 2026 salary and the buyout. Across his time with the Braves, spanning parts of two seasons, Kinley compiled a strong 2.79 ERA with 64 strikeouts in 67⅔ innings.

A nine-year major league veteran known for his mid-90s fastball and slider mix, Kinley has logged nearly 400 career appearances, all in relief, with a lifetime 4.67 ERA.

Quality bullpen arms remain in demand late in the season, so interest from other clubs is possible as he seeks his next opportunity.

For the Braves, the decision reflects a preference for younger talent and roster flexibility amid a competitive season.

Kinley’s Atlanta chapter closes on a mixed note: a late-2025 surge that earned him a return, followed by a solid but ultimately insufficient 2026 campaign.