The Atlanta Braves need relief pitching as their seventh and eighth inning combo of Jonny Venters and Eric O'Flaherty are done for the year. As MLB Trade Rumors points out, the Houston Astros could be shipping Jose Veras, their late-inning relief man. Could the Braves be interested in acquiring Veras as their bullpen needs a veteran who can hand the ball over to Craig Kimbrel?
Veras' strength is strikeouts. Since 2010, Veras has finished with over a K/9 Ratio of over 10. He can strikeout guys and eat up innings out of the bullpen. The Astros are currently trying to build their farm system and they have moved numerous players in recent years in exchange for prospects. Veras won't be an expensive option and maybe the Braves pitching coach, Roger McDowell, can help fix some of Veras' problems which have led to a lot of runs and walks throughout his career.
So far in 2013, Veras is 0-4 with a 4.06 ERA. He has 14 saves to go along with his 29 games finished. Maybe he's struggling because the ninth inning isn't where he's used to pitching. Prior to 2013, Veras had only five career saves. His 2013 K/9 Ratio of 10.5 speaks volumes as it proves Veras can get outs, but his 13 walks aren't too impressive as it shows that Veras has some control issues.
Fredi Gonzalez could use a veteran like Veras in the bullpen as he's currently relying on guys like Cory Gearrin (27), Anthony Vavarro (28), Luis Avilan (23) and Jordan Walden (25) to get the ball to their closer, Kimbrel. Veras has been around since 2006 and the Braves could use his experience in the bullpen.
If the Braves aren't interested, teams who can use a late inning guy are the New York Mets and Cleveland Indians, who are tied for last with only 10 saves in the season.
