Heller elected to become a free agent Thursday, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

EDGE Analysis

Heller was removed from Atlanta's 40-man roster this week and has opted for free agency rather than accepting an outright assignment. The reliever collected a 3.86 ERA and 16:11 K:BB over 18.2 innings in 2023.

Atlanta outrighted Heller to Triple-A Gwinnett on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Heller returned to the majors this year for the first time since 2020 but struggled with his command while posting a 3.86 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 16:11 K:BB over 18.2 innings of relief for the NL East champs. He is no longer part of the 40-man roster in Atlanta.

Atlanta optioned Heller to Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Heller's latest stint with Atlanta lasted just three days, with the veteran right-hander making two relief appearances and tossing 2.1 scoreless frames. Atlanta recalled left-hander Dylan Dodd from Triple-A to make a spot start Saturday versus the Pirates, but Dodd returned to Gwinnett a day later.

Heller was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Heller was just sent down Tuesday but is back a day later to take Michael Soroka's (forearm) spot on the roster. He'll operate in middle relief.

Heller was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Heller has posted a 4.41 ERA and 14:10 K:BB across 16.1 relief frames with Atlanta this season. He'll exit the 28-man active roster to make room for right-hander Michael Soroka, who was recalled from Gwinnett ahead of his scheduled start Tuesday versus the Cardinals.

Atlanta recalled Heller from Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

He joined the 28-man active roster as a replacement for right-hander Darius Vines, who was demoted to Gwinnett in a corresponding move. In 14.1 innings out of the Atlanta bullpen this season, Heller has pitched to a 4.40 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 14:9 K:BB.

Heller was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett after Wednesday's win over the Angels.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander has been up with the big club since mid-June and posted a 4.40 ERA in 16 outings, but he'll head back to the minors with Max Fried (forearm) set to return from the injured list Friday. Heller could rejoin the major-league bullpen when Atlanta requires a fresh arm.

Heller retired the only batter he faced Monday to record his first hold of the season in a win over the Twins.

EDGE Analysis

Most of Atlanta's high-leverage options were getting the day off after a heavy workload over the weekend, so Heller was brought in to get the final out of the eighth inning in a 4-1 game. It's only the second hold of the 31-year-old's career, with his first coming as a rookie in 2016 with the Yankees. Since joining the Atlanta bullpen in mid-June, Heller has an impressive nine strikeouts in 4.1 innings, but they come with four walks and a 1.85 WHIP.

Atlanta recalled Heller from Triple-A Gwinnett on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

The 31-year-old right-hander will fill the bullpen spot left vacant by Jesse Chavez, who has been placed on the 15-day injured list with a severe shin contusion. Heller was recently acquired from the Rays in exchange for international bonus pool. He hasn't appeared in a major-league game since 2020.

Atlanta acquired Heller from the Rays on Tuesday in exchange for international bonus pool money and optioned him to Triple-A Gwinnett.

EDGE Analysis

Heller was designated for assignment by Tampa Bay this past Friday, having been stuck in a holding pattern at Triple-A Durham. The 31-year-old right-hander hasn't appeared in a game at the MLB level since 2020.