Originally published Friday, November 21, 2008 at 12:00 AM

Mariners' left-hander Eric O'Flaherty claimed by Atlanta Braves

Eric O'Flaherty, once considered a top pitching prospect by the Mariners, was claimed on waivers by the Atlanta Braves.

Seattle Times staff reporter

SEATTLE MARINERS

Eric O'Flaherty was once a top prospect for the M's.

The stunning fall by Eric O'Flaherty within the Mariners organization was completed on Thursday when the left-handed reliever was claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Braves.

O'Flaherty, 23, was placed on waivers because the Mariners planned to remove him from the 40-man major-league roster. After beginning the 2008 season as the team's situational left-hander — replacing the traded George Sherrill — O'Flaherty was rocked early and optioned to Class AA West Tennessee just two weeks into the season.

The Walla Walla native had been considered one of the better young arms groomed by the Bill Bavasi regime and spent most of the 2007 season in the Mariners bullpen. He made only 15 minor-league appearances after his demotion, all but one in Class AAA — compiling a 4.96 earned-run average.

A back injury suffered in June later sidelined him for the season.

The Mariners also outrighted pitchers Luis Munoz and Tracy Thorpe to the minors, clearing room on the 40-man roster for pitchers Stephen Kahn and Gabby Hernandez and outfielder Greg Halman.

Seattle also announced that former major-league pitcher Paul Gibson has been named Eastern crosschecker scout.

Geoff Baker: 206-464-8286 or gbaker@seattletimes.com.

Read his daily blog at www.seattletimes.com/Mariners

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