Right-handed reliever Anthony Varvaro, a September call-up by the Mariners last season, was claimed off waivers Thursday by the Atlanta Braves.
Varvaro, 26, was designated for assignment by Seattle on Jan. 3 to clear space on the 40-man roster following the signing of free-agent catcher Miguel Olivo.
Varvaro pitched four innings in four games with the Mariners in the final two weeks of 2010, going 0-1 with an 11.25 ERA.
The Staten Island native is a hard thrower who has struggled with his control, as evidenced in his brief stint with Seattle when he walked six with five strikeouts while giving up two home runs in his four late-season chances.
Varbaro posted a 5.26 ERA in 19 relief appearances with Tacoma last year, with 14 walks and 26 strikeouts in 25 2/3 innings.
He was 1-3 with a 3.20 ERA at Double-A West Tenn prior to his promotion, with 21 walks and 46 strikeouts in 39 1/3 innings.
Varvaro was a 12th round Draft pick of the Mariners in ’05 out of St. John’s University.
Also, while we’re talking about former Mariners, it should be noted that utility man Willie Bloomquist reportedly agreed to a one-year, $1.05 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks. You can read about that one here.
