Pirates relief pitcher Richard Rodriguez (48) hugs future Atlanta Braves teammate Ronald Acuna Jr. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
It took until the last possible minute, but the Atlanta Braves secured one of the best relievers traded this week.
The addition of Pittsburgh’s Richard Rodriguez to the bullpen of the Atlanta Braves will give Brian Snitker a dynamic that he hasn’t had this year for the late innings: choices.
Rodriguez is a right-handed closer, and this complements well with the left-handed Will Smith to permit the Braves to play ‘matchup’ against same-sided hitters when the opportunities present themselves.