With MLB's trade deadline approaching (August 1) it has been widely assumed that Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos would find a way to add to the Braves roster, particularly in the bullpen. On Monday he did so.
The Braves traded for Rockies reliever Pierce Johnson and sent to Colorado a pair of minor league righties. Johnson has a potentially-misleading 6.00 ERA, but has posted a 3.27 ERA in his past 12 appearances.
Johnson, who has 13 saves on the season for the Rockies in 15 chances, has allowed a career-high seven home runs this season, largely due to Coors Field, where six of his seven longballs were given up.
Johnson will booster the Braves bullpen, but isn't expected to take over as closer. The Braves are parting with Victor Vodnick (10th-rated prospect) and Tanner Gordon (26th-rated prospect), both right-handed pitchers.
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The Braves also reportedly added Texan Rangers reliever Taylor Hearn who was recently DFA'd.