July 24 (UPI) — The Atlanta Braves have bolstered their already formidable bullpen with the acquisition of relief pitchers Pierce Johnson and Taylor Hearn, according to an official announcement from the team.
The Braves sent minor-league pitchers Tanner Gordon and Victor Vodnik to the Colorado Rockies in exchange for Johnson. To accommodate Johnson on their 40-man roster, they designated pitcher Lucas Luetge for assignment.
In a separate deal, the Braves traded cash considerations to the Texas Rangers in return for Hearn. To make room for Hearn, they designated pitcher Dereck Rodriguez, who is the son of Hall of Fame catcher Ivan Rodriguez, for assignment.
Hearn, 28, struggled this season with a 10.29 ERA over four games for the Rangers. In 2022, he posted a 5.13 ERA in 31 appearances. Overall, the left-handed pitcher has a career record of 12-15, with a 5.11 ERA and one save in 92 appearances.
Johnson, 32, had a challenging 2023 season with the Rockies, recording a 1-5 record, 6.00 ERA, and 13 saves in 43 appearances. In 2022, with the San Diego Padres, he went 1-2 with a 5.02 ERA in 15 appearances. Throughout his career, the right-handed pitcher has accumulated an 11-14 record, 4.48 ERA, and 13 saves in 183 appearances.
Vodnik, a 23-year-old right-handed pitcher, was ranked as the No. 10 prospect in the Braves’ system by MLB Pipeline. He showcased his talent this season, achieving a 3-1 record, 3.10 ERA, and four saves in 30 appearances for the Class-AA Mississippi Braves.
Gordon, on the other hand, was ranked as the No. 26 prospect in the Braves’ system. He had an uneven season, going 4-5 with a 4.61 ERA in 11 starts for the Mississippi Braves, and 1-4 with an 8.28 ERA in six appearances for the Class-AAA Gwinnett Stripers.
The Atlanta Braves currently boast the best bullpen ERA in the National League, standing at an impressive 3.50 for the season.
With their commanding record of 64-34, the Braves not only lead the National League East but also hold the best record in MLB, leading the second-place Philadelphia Phillies (53-46) and Miami Marlins (54-47) by a comfortable 11.5 games.
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