Braves scrambling for arms give surprise nod to former Oklahoma pitcher

As the Atlanta Braves needed immediate help on the mound, former Oklahoma pitcher Nathan Wiles was the best man ready to go.

The Braves on Tuesday selected Wiles' contract from the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers, paving the way for Wiles to soon make his MLB debut.

Atlanta Braves promote former Sooner Nathan Wiles to MLB

Wiles, a right-handed pitcher, was not even on the Braves' 40-man roster after being a late addition to the organization. The Braves traded for Wiles from the Tampa Bay Rays late in Spring Training on March 21.

To make room, the Braves released right-handed pitcher Amos Willingham, who has been injured. They then sent down Michael Peterson to clear a spot on the active MLB roster.

The Braves were in dire need of help in the bullpen after putting Spencer Strider back on injured reserve. The Braves were blindsided having to put Strider back on the IL, and with three other possible minor league options all starting within the last three days, Wiles was one of the only arms ready to go.

Wiles has been used primarily as a starter in the minors so could help eat up some innings for the Braves as a long reliever. They plan to use an opener Tuesday night against the St. Louis Cardinals, so Wiles could immediately be needed.

After a lackluster four seasons in the minors and an injury, Wiles has thrived since joining the Braves. He's made three starts at the Triple-A level this season with a 0.64 ERA. He's given up just two runs and struck out 15 batters in 14 innings.

His ERA had been north of five the past two seasons.

Wiles was an eighth-round pick by the Rays in the 2018 MLB Draft after a successful career with the Sooners. He was at OU for three seasons and posted a career 3.97 ERA. His best season was his last in 2019, when he was an All-Big 12 honorable mention with a 3.67 ERA and eight wins in 15 starts.

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