Overview
- The Braves announced the waiver claim of Mitchell Parker on Monday during routine November 2 roster clearings, picking him up from the Washington Nationals.
- Parker was moved to the Nationals’ bullpen for the 2026 season and made 22 relief appearances, posting a 3-3 record, a 6.58 ERA, and 34 strikeouts.
- He was diagnosed with a Grade 3 UCL sprain in early July 2026 and underwent internal brace surgery in late July, a recovery path that reporters project will keep him sidelined through most or all of 2027.
- Atlanta’s claim is a low-cost roster move intended to add controllable pitching depth after the club’s postseason exit, with the team betting on Parker’s upside if he fully recovers.
- Parker showed his best form as a 2024 rookie (29 starts, 4.29 ERA) but has had role volatility since then, and if healthy he could return as a swingman or multi-role arm for the Braves.