Atlanta released Stephens on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Stephens has pitched well at Triple-A Gwinnett this season, posting a 2.57 ERA and 42:15 K:BB over 49 innings, so it's possible he exercised an opt-out clause in his minor-league contract. The 31-year-old has been used almost exclusively as a reliever during his time in the majors, but he's made some starts this year at Gwinnett -- including in his last appearance when he struck out six over five innings of one-run ball -- so Stephens offers versatility.

Stephens might be called up to replace Didier Fuentes in the big-league rotation, David O'Brien of the Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Fuentes has coughed up 10 runs in 8.1 inning over his first two starts for Atlanta with a 4:1 K:BB, and while the organization still believes in his future, the 20-year-old doesn't appear ready for the majors. Stephens has spent most of the year in the bullpen for Triple-A Gwinnett, but in two starts since being shifted to the rotation June 20, he's tossed nine scoreless frames with a 12:3 K:BB. The veteran righty has made appearances for Atlanta in each of the last three season, posting a 3.52 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 60:29 K:BB in 69 innings while working primarily in relief.

Stephens signed a minor-league contract with Atlanta on Feb. 24.

EDGE Analysis

Stephens is back with Atlanta after he spent each of the last three seasons with the organization. He made three relief appearances with the big club in 2024 but saw the bulk of his action at Triple-A Gwinnett, with whom he accrued a 3.86 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 49:17 K:BB in 46.2 innings. The 30-year-old will report back to Gwinnett to begin the 2025 campaign.

Atlanta re-signed Stephens to a minor-league contract Monday.

EDGE Analysis

For the second time since the start of April, Stephens rejoined Atlanta after declining an outright assignment and electing free agency. The right-handed reliever has thrown 3.1 innings in the big leagues in 2024, allowing one run. He's been assigned to Triple-A Gwinnett.

Stephens elected free agency Sunday after declining an outright assignment by Atlanta, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stephens did the same thing back in March before re-signing on a minor-league contract, so it's possible that happens again. The reliever has allowed one run over 3.1 innings during his time in the majors this season.

Atlanta outrighted Stephens to Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Stephens came up from the minors May 4 to replace the injured Pierce Johnson, and will now return to Triple-A as Johnson comes off the IL. Stephens made three appearances in his latest big-league stint, allowing one run over 3.1 innings while striking out two batters and walking one.

Atlanta selected Stephens' contract from Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Stephens had posted a 3.86 ERA and 13:2 K:BB over 9.1 innings with Gwinnett this season. He pitched in five games for Atlanta last season, yielding four runs over 12 frames. Stephens will operate in low-leverage situations.

Stephens signed a minor-league contract with Atlanta on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Stephens elected to become a free agent last week, but he will end up back with Atlanta on another minors deal after testing the open market. Stephens maintained a 3.00 ERA and 1.50 WHIP across 12 innings in the majors last season, and he also performed well during spring training. If the 29-year-old can prove to be a reliable option at Triple-A Gwinnett, he could return to Atlanta's bullpen at some point this season.

Stephens elected free agency Wednesday, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stephens appeared in position to win a spot on Atlanta's Opening Day roster as spring training neared its conclusion, but he became expendable when the club was able to bring aboard veteran right-hander Jesse Chavez on a one-year deal. After being moved off the 40-man roster and clearing waivers, Stephens could have stuck in Atlanta's organization and reported to Triple-A Gwinnett, but he'll instead test his options on the open market. Stephens performed reasonably well in Grapefruit League play, striking out 11 and allowing four earned runs over 12 innings while giving up 13 hits and issuing five walks.

Stephens cleared waivers Tuesday and was sent outright to Triple-A Gwinnett, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stephens will lose his spot on the 40-man roster, which will likely be given to the newly-signed Jesse Chavez. Stephens gave up three runs in 7.1 innings during spring training and turned in a 3.00 ERA in 12 big-league innings last season, so he could still be in consideration for a promotion should Atlanta run into depth problems in its bullpen.