Left-hander Ian Thomas, a Kellam High graduate who pitched at Virginia Commonwealth, will open the season in the major leagues.
The Atlanta Braves purchased his contract from Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday as they broke camp and headed to Milwaukee for Monday’s opener against the Brewers.
Thomas, who will turn 27 on April 20, has never pitched above the Double-A level. He went 7-8 with a 2.76 ERA for the Southern League’s Mississippi Braves last season.
“He’s left-handed. Had some quality outings. ... He has weapons,” Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Thomas, who will work out of the bullpen, was 1-0 with a 2.61 ERA in 11 appearances this spring. He gives the Braves three players from South Hampton Roads, joining the Upton brothers – B.J. (Greenbrier Christian) and Justin (Great Bridge).
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