Tampa Bay Rays trade LHP Jonny Venters to Atlanta Braves

The storybook saga of Jonny Venters will make its return to his old Atlanta stomping ground.

Venters, who is best known for his triumphant 2018 return to major league play after three (and a half) Tommy John surgeries, was traded to the Atlanta Braves late Thursday night in return for an international signing slot.

In his most recent season with the Rays, the 33-year-old Venters was 1-1 with a 3.86 ERA, a 3.80 FIP, and 1.214 WHIP. Venters had his first career start with the Rays this season, playing the opener role against the Washington Nationals. In returning to the Braves he will rejoin the club that originally drafted him in 2003.

While not a flashy exchange in terms of a named prospect, the Rays are known to make the most of the international signing pool, so the slot will be well used.