As first reported by MLB.com’s Mark Bowman, the Braves have signed left-handed reliever Alex Torres to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.
Torres should have a good shot at claiming an Opening Day roster spot with Atlanta after posting a 3.15 ERA across 39 appearances for the Mets in 2015. He does have an issue with control -- see the 86 walks in 154 1/3 career innings -- but the 28-year-old southpaw has fared pretty well in terms of overall run prevention against both lefties and righties. His current career ERA is a shiny 2.68, and he strikes out over a batter per inning.
Torres is probably best known for the prototype protective cap he’s been wearing since June 2014. It should look a little better in Atlanta’s dark navy than it did in the Mets’ bright blue.