Jorge Sosa was designated for assignment on Sunday. Just before Monday’s non-waiver trade deadline passed, he was dealt to the Cardinals in exchange for Minor League right-hander Rich Scalamandre.
Sosa struggled both as a starter and during a short stint as the Braves’ closer this year. After going 1-8 with a 5.53 ERA in 13 starts this season, he was moved back to the bullpen, where he converted just half of his six save opportunities. In 13 relief appearances, he posted a 5.19 ERA. Most of his problems stemmed from the fact that he surrendered 20 homers in just 87 1/3 total innings. All of these struggles came just one season after he posted a National League-best .813 winning percentage and collected a career-best 13 wins, with a 2.55 ERA.
Scalamandre, who will be assigned to Triple-A Richmond, has been used solely as a reliever since being drafted by the Cardinals in the 23rd round of the 2002 First-Year Player Draft. The 25-year-old right-hander has struggled with his control throughout most of his professional career. But in 48 2/3 innings with Triple-A Memphis and Double-A Springfield this year, he’s registered 48 strikeouts and issued just 18 walks. With Memphis and Springfield this year, Scalamandre has gone 7-0 with a 4.55 ERA and two saves. During his Minor League career, he’s gone 22-5 with a 4.26 ERA.”
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