We are one week away from the trade deadline, but Alex Anthopoulos and the Atlanta Braves got a head start on shoring up their bullpen. The Braves acquired reliever Pierce Johnson from the Colorado Rockies Monday in exchange for minor league pitchers Tanner Gordon and Victor Vodnik. They also acquired left-hander Taylor Hearn in exchange for cash from the Texas Rangers.
Atlanta’s bullpen has suffered numerous injuries, most notably to A.J Minter, Dylan Lee and Jesse Chavez. All three are expected back, but Anthopoulos is hoping that the two new additions will provide some depth and some added flexibility.