Former Braves Pitcher Designated for Assignment by Division Rival so They Can Add a Different Former Braves Pitcher

A former Atlanta Braves reliever is available after being let go by a division rival

The Atlanta Braves probably feel like there's a copycat in the division.

The New York Mets have struggled ever since Atlanta chased them down to win the NL East on the final day of the 2022 season, going 76-92 between last season and the first six games of 2024. To try and get over the Atlanta-sized obstacle in their way to divisional greatness, the Mets went out and signed a former Braves pitcher to bolster their bullpen for 2024.

But Michael Tonkin, who was effective as the long man for Atlanta in 2023, has been anything but effective for the Mets this season. Pitching in only three games, he's taken two losses and allowed eight runs in just four innings (although it's worth pointing out that only two of those were earned, due to errors and ghost runners in extra innings).

And New York has had enough. Needing a roster spot on both the 40-man and 26-man rosters, they designated Tonkin for assignment.

And the pitcher they needed room for? Former Braves starter Julio Teheran.

Dealing with an injury to starter Tylor Megill, New York extended a contract to Teheran to give them innings while they wait for Megill and ace Kodai Senga to return from their injuries. Teheran, who spent 2011 through 2019 with the Braves and started six consecutive Opening Day games from 2014-2019, spent last season with the Brewers. Signing in May, he went 3-5 with a 4.40 ERA for Milwaukee, starting eleven games and appearing in fourteen overall.

And so Teheran, who worked all the way through spring training in Baltimore with the Orioles, is going to start for the Mets on Monday.

If you can't beat them, take their cast offs, I guess?