The Atlanta Braves signed left-handed pitcher Austin Cox to a Major League Baseball contract, the club announced. He has been assigned to Triple-A Gwinnett.
Cox was previously in the Kansas City Royals organization on a minor league deal. His MLB.com profile page indicates Triple-A Omaha released him earlier today, according to a report.
The 28-year-old pitcher made his MLB debut in 2023, appearing in 24 games for Kansas City. He recorded a 4.54 earned run average over 35 2/3 innings pitched that season.
His 2023 season ended in September due to an ACL tear. He returned to action in April 2024.
In 55 Triple-A innings during the 2023 season, Cox had a 4.25 ERA with a 24% strikeout rate and a 15.2% walk rate.
This year, pitching for Omaha, he posted a 3.55 ERA in 12 2/3 innings with a 32.7% strikeout rate and 10.9% walk rate before his release.
Signing Cox to a guaranteed big league contract provides the Atlanta Braves with additional organizational depth. He is a native of Macon, Georgia.
He joins Dylan Lee and Aaron Bummer as left-handed options for the club's pitching staff, though he will begin in Triple-A.
The Braves had an open spot on their 40-man roster.
