Braves claim LHP Kevin Chapman off waivers from Astros

In a move to bolster their bullpen options, the Braves have claimed LHP Kevin Chapman off of waivers from the Houston Astros, per Mark Bowman:

[And no, he’s not that left-handed Chapman. In case you were reading too quickly.]

Chapman was first drafted back in 2006 by the Tigers, but did not sign and went to pitch at the University of Florida. The White Sox took him in the 50th round in 2009 but he still didn’t bite, and only signed when taken in the fourth round by the Royals the following year.

Working primarily as a middle reliever, he had reasonable minor league success but was never a highly-regarded prospect, and was traded to the Astros in a minor deal involving other baseball trivia names like Humberto Quintero, Jason Bourgeois, and D’Andre Toney.

As an Astro, he pitched in parts of four seasons from 2013 through 2016, covering 55 major league innings in all. His success has been mixed: he’s been a good LOOGY, as evidenced by a 2.49 FIP / 3.85 xFIP against lefties (and the fact that he’s yet to give up a homer to any lefty batter he’s faced), but absolutely has not yet learned how to pitch to righties (6.34 FIP, 5.46 xFIP, identical walk and strikeout numbers). For his career, he touts a 4.09 ERA, 4.29 FIP, 4.60 xFIP, and 4.73 SIERA.

Chapman was most recently pitching for Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic, though should now be free to resume regular Spring Training activities given Canada’s elimination. He allowed two runs in two innings of work at the Classic.

There’s not that much upside for the Braves here, as Chapman’s likely ceiling is a serviceable LOOGY, and he represents enough of a landmine due to his inability to pitch to righties that it may impede him from seeing any meaningful time with the big league club. Still, it can’t hurt to have options, and as with many hurlers, there’s always the hope the Braves can help him figure out his control and command to make him more of a relief weapon.