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.

Stephens is expected to open the season in a long-relief role for Atlanta, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 29-year-old will have the lowest-leverage role in a stacked Atlanta bullpen, but Stephens could see significant innings early if Reynaldo Lopez struggles with his conversion to the starting rotation. Stephens made only five appearances in the majors in 2023, posting a 3.00 ERA and 11:5 K:BB over 12 innings, but he's had an intriguing spring with a 10:4 K:BB and zero homers allowed through 5.1 frames.

Stephens (elbow) retired two batters via strikeout and gave up an earned run on one hit and one walk Saturday in Atlanta's 6-2 win over the Blue Jays in Grapefruit League play.

EDGE Analysis

Making his spring debut, Stephens threw 21 pitches to four hitters. The 29-year-old right-hander finished the 2023 campaign on Atlanta's injured list due to right elbow inflammation, but he's faced no apparent limitations thus far in camp. After re-signing with Atlanta on a split contract over the winter, Stephens may need an impressive showing in the spring to win a spot in the Opening Day bullpen.

Stephens (elbow) signed a one-year, non-guaranteed split contract with Atlanta on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Stephens joined Atlanta's big-league bullpen in mid-September and made five appearances before landing on the injured list shortly ahead of the postseason with right elbow inflammation. The 29-year-old righty holds a 3.56 ERA and 1.37 WHIP through 65.2 innings since initially joining Atlanta in 2022, though it remains unclear if he will be ready to go for the start of spring training.

Stephens (elbow) elected to become a free agent Monday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stephens was outrighted off Atlanta's 40-man roster and has opted to test out free agency rather than accepting an assignment to Triple-A Gwinnett. The reliever ended the season on the 15-day injured list with elbow inflammation, but it's not clear where he currently stands on the health front.

Stephens was placed on the 15-day injured list Sunday, retroactive to Sept. 30, with right elbow inflammation, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stephens delivered two scoreless frames Friday against Washington, but an elbow issue apparently surfaced during the outing. The 29-year-old right-hander wasn't a strong bet to make Atlanta's NLDS roster even if healthy with just five big-league appearances this season, and he'll now be unavailable until at least mid-October.

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

EDGE Analysis

Stephens will provide the big club with a fresh relief arm heading into Monday's doubleheader against the Phillies. This will be the first stint in the big leagues this season for the 29-year-old reliever, as Stephens has posted a 3.28 ERA and 26:4 K:BB over 24.2 frames with Gwinnett.

Stephens was outrighted to Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Stephens signed a one-year deal with Atlanta in December and gave up five runs in 1.1 innings over two appearances this spring. He won't make the team's Opening Day roster but could return to the majors at some point in 2023 if the team needs a multi-inning option in the bullpen.

Stephens was re-signed by the Braves to a one-year, $740,000 contract Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Stephens hit free agency last month after being removed from the Braves' 40-man roster, but he's back in Atlanta now on a non-guaranteed split contract. The 28-year-old held a 3.69 ERA and 1.34 WHIP with 47 strikeouts over 53.2 innings last season.

Stephens was designated for assignment Tuesday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Atlanta needed to clear a 40-man roster spot for Dennis Santana, whom they just acquired for cash from Texas. Stephens, 28, had a 3.69 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 47 strikeouts in 53.2 innings last season.