The Atlanta Braves gained a hand for the bullpen, acquiring reliever Brad Hand from the Colorado Rockies at the MLB trade deadline. In fact, Atlanta began action on trades a week before the deadline. Two deals saw the Braves acquire right-hander Pierce Johnson from the Rockies and left-hander Taylor Hearn from the Texas Rangers. Hearn, however, went to Kansas City for infielder Nicky Lopez a week later.
The lack of significant deadline moves, especially adding another starter. It is more a statement of the Braves’ status as baseball’s most consistent team. The hitting and starting pitching are two main reasons the team boasts the best record in the NL. But the strategy of adding some pitching will strengthen a push to the postseason.
Braves Trade Deadline
Brad Hand, who pitched against Atlanta in the NLDS last year, will be joining his 9th team since 2015. https://t.co/TaBp7U1qLR
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 1, 2023
A Helping Hand
Hand,33, bolsters the bullpen, bringing a veteran presence and depth to the staff. Hand’s 2023 statistics to date, which the high altitude of Coors Field may skew, include a 4.54 ERA in 35 2/3 innings. Last season, he had a 2.80 ERA in 45 innings with the Philadelphia Phillies. Hand has 131 career saves in his 13-year career with a 3.66 ERA. His crucial stat is that he has limited left-handed hitters to a .143 batting average and has 20 strikeouts in 59 plate appearances. He will most likely serve as the set-up man behind closer Raisel Iglesias.
The Braves sent Alec Barger, 25, to the Rockies as part of the deal. He’s spent the season at Double-A Mississippi, working to a 3.29 ERA with a 29.3% strikeout rate.
Johnson and Chirinos
Johnson, 32, was acquired in exchange for right-handed reliever Victor Vodnik, who ranked as Atlanta’s tenth-best prospect per MLB Pipeline, and right-handed pitcher Tanner Gordon, the no. 26 prospect in the Braves farm system. Johnson’s 6.00 ERA in 43 appearances for the Rockies may again be skewed by altitude. It is encouraging that he posted a 4.11 ERA on the road and accrued a 3.09 ERA while with the Padres from 2020-21.
In a related move, Atlanta claimed Yonny Chirinos from Tampa Bay. The 29-year-old right-hander with a 4.32 ERA started July 28 against the Brewers and showed glimpses of encouragement but sustained a no-decision. He, too, could wind up in the bullpen or perhaps off the roster when Max Fried (forearm) is ready to return.
Arm Strength is A Must
Offensively, the Braves are in great shape. The team boasts an explosive lineup that is on pace for the single-season home run record. The deadline moves addressed the fortification of the bullpen, which builds the team for a long-haul playoff run.
The Braves have a 3.84 bullpen ERA that ranks sixth in the majors. They have been missing primary setup reliever A.J. Minter and were without lefty Dylan Lee. Although Lee is a week away from returning from the injured list, Minter is back on the roster. He was out since July 12, recovering from left shoulder inflammation.
Lopez Brings Needed Versatility
In addition to the bullpen moves, the Braves also acquired Lopez from the Royals to add depth and versatility to the infield. Lopez was drafted by the Royals in 2016, making his MLB debut in 2019. Over 67 games in 2023, Lopez is slashing .212/.323/.281 with 18 runs scored, 21 walks and 30 strikeouts. He’s made numerous starts at third base (24), second base (22), shortstop (4), left field (2), and first base (1) this season. His varied capabilities at multiple positions will enable starters to earn rest spots in the weeks leading up to the postseason.
Photo Credit: © Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Players mentioned:
Brad Hand, Pierce Johnson, Taylor Hearn, Nicky Lopez, Raisel Iglesias, Alec Barger, Tanner Gordon, Yonny Chirinos, Max Fried, A.J. Minter, Dylan Lee
