Atlanta Braves Release 9-Year MLB Player During Brewers Series

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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 13: Manager Walt Weiss #22 of the Atlanta Braves looks on during batting practice prior to facing the Chicago Cubs at Truist Park on May 13, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Atlanta Braves began a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field at 4:10 p.m. EDT on Friday.

During Friday’s game, news broke that the Braves released a nine-year MLB player from the organization.

Atlanta Braves Release 9-Year MLB Veteran Tyler Kinley Amid Brewers Series

Atlanta Braves v New York Yankees — GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 09: Tyler Kinley #45 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after getting a strike out to end a game against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on August 09, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Via the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Chad Bishop on X: “Kinley has been released by the Braves”

Kinley has been released by the Braves https://t.co/rROvRKdre3
— Chad Bishop (@MrChadBishop) August 21, 2026

The Braves designated Kinley for assignment three days ago to make room for right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver.

Kinley, 35, has nine seasons of big-league experience. He posted a 4.01 ERA with a 1.29 WHIP and 42 strikeouts across 42 2/3 innings out of the Braves bullpen this year.

Looking at Tyler Kinley’s Career

Atlanta Braves v New York Mets - Game One — GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 29: Tyler Kinley #45 of the Atlanta Braves throws a pitch during the eighth inning against the New York Mets during game one of a doubleheader at Citi Field on July 29, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images)

The Miami Marlins selected Kinley in the 16th round of the 2013 MLB Draft out of Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida.

The Minnesota Twins selected Kinley from the Marlins in the 2017 Rule 5 Draft.

Minnesota Twins Photo Day — GettyFT. MYERS, FL – FEBRUARY 21: Tyler Kinley #61 of the Minnesota Twins poses for a portrait on February 21, 2018 at Hammond Field in Ft. Myers, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)

He made just four appearances for the Twins before being returned back to the Marilins.

He overall had a forgettable 2018 season, posting a 12.27 ERA over 11 innings between the Twins and Marlins. He had a strong 2019 season, recording a 3.65 ERA over 49 1/3 innings.

Miami Marlins v Colorado Rockies — GettyDENVER, CO – AUGUST 17: Tyler Kinley #39 of the Miami Marlins pitches against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on August 17, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)

The Colorado Rockies claimed Kinley off waivers from the Marlins in the 2019-20 offseason.

In six seasons with the Rockies (2020-25), Kinley posted a 5.05 ERA with a 1.33 WHIP and 261 strikeouts over 246 innings.

Colorado Rockies v Philadelphia Phillies — GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 11: Tyler Kinley #40 of the Colorado Rockies pitches during the seventh inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on September 11, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

The Rockies traded Kinley to the Braves at last year’s trade deadline.

The right-hander recorded a 0.72 ERA over 25 innings with Atlanta last season.

Atlanta Braves Right Now

Atlanta Braves v Minnesota Twins — GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – AUGUST 18: Michael Harris II #23 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates his double against the Minnesota Twins in the ninth inning at Target Field on August 18, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Braves 4-1. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

After being swept by the Minnesota Twins, the Braves defeated the Chicago White Sox 2-0 in a makeup game at Rate Field on Thursday.

Atlanta is in first place in the National League East with a 75-53 record. The club has a five-game lead over the second-place Philadelphia Phillies.