Braves claim righty Quantrill off waivers from Marlins

MIAMI -- The Braves claimed Cal Quantrill off waivers from the Marlins on Thursday, the club announced. Quantrill had been placed on outright waivers by the Marlins earlier this week.

Atlanta optioned right-hander Dane Dunning to Triple-A Gwinnett in a corresponding move.

Quantrill, who was non-tendered by the Rockies over the offseason, signed a $3.5 million free-agent contract with the Marlins at the beginning of Spring Training. The hope was he would provide innings for a rotation without lefties Jesús Luzardo (Phillies trade) and Braxton Garrett (Tommy John surgery) and waiting on the return of righty Eury Pérez (TJ rehab).

The 30-year-old went 4-10 with a 5.50 ERA – seventh highest among Major Leaguers with at least 100 innings thrown – and a 1.39 WHIP in 24 starts. But after compiling an 8.10 ERA through his first six starts, he found his footing with a 3.55 ERA over his next 15.

It became a recurring theme, however, for manager Clayton McCullough to pull a contentious Quantrill early in games despite having lower pitch counts. He recorded just one quality start, doing so in the only outing in which he completed six innings (July 19). The primary reason for the quick hooks was opponents slashing .452/.531/.881 in their third plate appearance against him.

With Quantrill’s departure, the Marlins will need to round out their rotation. Forty-man options include righty Ryan Gusto, who was acquired in the Jesús Sánchez trade and made a spot start during the Aug. 9 doubleheader, and Marlins No. 15 prospect Adam Mazur, whose Miami debut came in a spot start on June 18.

Down the line, southpaw Robby Snelling (Marlins No. 4 prospect, No. 79 overall) could be an option when rosters expand in September. He is not on the 40-man roster. Lefty Ryan Weathers, who threw live batting practice for the first time on Wednesday, could return by mid-September, barring a setback.