With the trade deadline looming, the Braves have taken steps to bolster one of the National League's top pitching staffs.
Atlanta is acquiring pitcher Brad Hand from the Rockies in exchange for minor league pitcher Alec Barger, according to a Tuesday morning report from Robert Murray of FanSided.
Hand, 33, is 3–1 with a 4.54 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 35 2/3 innings of relief work this season.
The Minneapolis native has spent time with the Marlins, Padres, Guardians, Nationals, Mets, Phillies, Blue Jays and Colorado over the course of a 13-year big-league career. He peaked from 2017 to ’19, when he made three All-Star teams with San Diego and Cleveland. Hand’s 16 saves led the American League in 2020.
Trade: The Atlanta Braves are acquiring left-hander Brad Hand from the Colorado Rockies, according to a source familiar with the deal. Alec Barger goes to the Rockies.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) August 1, 2023
Barger has spent 2023 with Double A Mississippi in the South Atlantic League, striking out 48 in 38 1/3 innings.
The Braves currently lead the NL East by 11 games at 67–37, the best record in baseball. At 42–64, the Rockies boast the worst record in the National League.
