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Shane Carle’s 2019 story is pretty identical to those of Jesse Biddle and Dan Winkler, which we have already covered. Carle played an integral part in the Braves bullpen in 2018, making 53 appearances while posting a 2.86 ERA and a 3.54 FIP. However, he appeared to completely lose it amidst injuries in the second half and was ultimately left off the postseason roster. His 2019 season can serve as a reminder for the volatile nature of relievers.
What went right in 2019?
Carle made the Braves’ Opening Day roster but was optioned early and then rode the Gwinnett shuttle for a while in April. His most memorable moment came in the opening series when he was ejected after hitting Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins.
Carle only had one outing all season in which he substantially improved his team’s chance of winning, and it largely didn’t even have much to do with him. He came on to work a tie game in the eighth against the Diamondbacks and threw a scoreless frame... despite issuing two walks and having the third out recorded when Tyler Flowers threw out a very confusing and ill-advised attempted steal of third.
What went wrong in 2019?
Despite being on the Opening Day roster, Carle didn’t receive a lot of opportunities. He appeared in just six games allowing 11 hits and 10 runs in just 9 1/3 innings. His last major league appearance with the Braves came on May 2 in San Diego where he allowed six hits and five runs in just one inning of work. Amazingly, that was his only outing of the season in which he issued no walks.
The quintessential 2019 Carle outing actually came on Opening Day: asked to work in a 3-1 deficit, he allowed two walks and a homer to Maikel Franco to put the Braves in a 6-1 hole. Carle did pretty well in 2018 when not getting stung by homers, but this was an early indication that that wouldn’t persist into 2019.
Carle’s struggles extended to Gwinnett where he appeared in 20 games posting a 5.13 ERA in 33 1/3 innings. He was designated for assignment by Atlanta on July 24 and traded to the Rangers on July 25 in exchange for cash considerations.
Carle made seven appearances for Nashville allowing 13 hits and six earned runs in just 6 2/3 innings. Texas designated him for assignment on August 23.
What to expect in 2020?
Like with Biddle and Winkler, the jury is out on what 2020 will hold for Carle. At this point Carle will be hoping to find a minor-league deal with an invite to Spring Training.