Enoli

Paredes

Paredes never appeared in the majors last season while posting a 4.40 ERA in 57 1/3 innings as a reliever for the Braves’ Triple-A affiliate. The former Astro has a 3.00 ERA in a total of 55 innings in the majors since debuting in 2020.

No real surprises among the first batch of cuts from Braves camp. Waldrep struggled last year in his first taste of the majors but still boasts some of the most intriguing stuff of any pitching prospect in the game. The 22-year-old former first-round pick figures to make a fantasy impact at some point down the road given his astronomical strikeout potential.

Paredes represents an intriguing gamble for the Braves after compiling a strong 1.66 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 16/10 K/BB ratio across 21 2/3 innings (18 appearances) last season between the Brewers and Cubs. The 29-year-old righty, who has made 55 appearances in the big leagues dating back to 2020, will compete in spring training for a spot in Atlanta’s season-opening bullpen.

The quartet cleared waivers and have all elected free agency. Almonte is was an effective high-leverage reliever in the recent past and figures to get another shot somewhere else. With top catching prospect Moises Ballesteros on the doorstep of the majors there was no reason for the club to keep Bethancourt around any longer.

Paredes, 28, was DFA’d by the Cubs last week in spite of a 1.74 ERA in 20 2/3 innings out of the pen. However, most of that was accrued in the first half before he went down with forearm tendinitis, and his stuff hasn’t completely recovered. He’s out of options, so he’ll be added to the major league roster once he arrives.

Paredes was a great surprise for the Brewers in the first half, posting a 1.08 ERA in 16 2/3 innings after debuting in late May. Unfortunately, he went on the IL in early July with forearm tendinitis, and though he was able to return last week, his velocity has been down a bit, and he’s given up two runs in four innings as a mop-up man. The Brewers figure they’re better off with Kevin Herget right now, but another team may grab him in the hopes of him being a useful reliever next year.

Paredes had been out since July with right forearm tendinitis. He was a key member of the bullpen prior to his injury. Paredes had a 1.08 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 12 strikeouts in 16 2/3 innings for the Brewers this year. He’s making his return just in time with the playoffs only a few weeks away.

Paredes will not be able to return to the roster until September 3 while he deals with forearm tendinitis. The right-hander is off the 40-man roster now, and it clears a spot for DL Hall (knee, forearm) to return from the 60-day IL.

The severity of the injury — and how much time Paredes may stand to miss — are not yet known. It’s a big blow to the Brewers’ bullpen though as Paredes has been outstanding this season, posting a 1.08 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and a 12/8 K/BB ratio over 16 2/3 innings. Janson Junk was recalled from Triple-A Nashville in a corresponding move to take his place in the Brewers’ bullpen.

Paredes threw the eighth inning when the score was 4-3 Milwaukee, but the Brewers tacked on two additional runs in the bottom of the 8th, so Pat Murphy decided to keep Paredes in to finish the job. It was his first save of the season, and he should not be considered a threat to Trevor Megill’s job. However, Paredes was outstanding in Triple-A and has yet to allow a run since being recalled, so he could be a solid ratio asset in deeper fantasy leagues.