Braves pick up John Thomson's 2006 option

The Braves have picked up John Thomson's option for the 2006 season. BravesCenter's Bill Shanks has the story.

The Atlanta Braves have picked up the $4.75 million dollar option on John Thomson's contract for the 2006 season.

Thomson was 4-6 in 2005 with a 4.47 ERA in 17 games. He missed a half the season with a strained flexor tendon in his right middle finger.

After Thomson returned from his injury in August, he struggled the first three weeks back. Thomson was 0-2 in August with a 8.38 ERA. But in September Thomson pitched much better, going 1-2 with a 3.68 ERA in five starts.

Before his injury, Thomson had been on a roll. He was 11-3 with a 2.79 ERA in 23 games from the 2004 All Star Break until he injured his finger.

The Braves still have the option of trading Thomson this winter, but as of now he will probably head to spring training as the Braves third or fourth starter.


Bill Shanks is the author of Scout's Honor: The Bravest Way To Build A Winning Team. Bill can be reached at .