Carl Edwards’ bid to join the Braves’ bullpen officially ended.
Edwards opted out of his minor-league contract Thursday and became a free agent. He faced an uphill climb to make the Braves’ bullpen and will now try to catch on somewhere else.
Edwards, 29, had a generally OK spring training, showing the same good and bad he has throughout his career. He posted a 1.08 ERA in with eight strikeouts in eight games, though he also walked six hitters. Edwards worked himself into and out of trouble on a couple of occasions.
A non-roster invitee, Edwards was trying to beat the odds and earn a place on the Braves’ opening-day bullpen. The team has a deep selection of options, however, and the veteran didn’t separate himself.
“We’re getting there (with the bullpen),” manager Brian Snitker said. “There’s still one or two different things we have to do, but it’s becoming more clear.”
Despite his inconsistent command, Edwards could appeal to other clubs seeking relief help. He has a resume, earning a 3.03 ERA and while striking out 12.4 batters per nine innings for the contending Cubs from 2016-18. He said earlier this week he’s past his recent injury issues and feels he can recapture that form.
After sending a pair of veterans to minor-league camp Thursday, the Braves’ roster now stands at 37 players.
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