Braves get lefty reliever Hand from Rockies

ATLANTA -- Brad Hand hasn’t performed like the All-Star reliever he was just a few years ago. But he’s an experienced veteran whose presence should help lessen the stress that some of Atlanta's other high-leverage relief options will experience down the stretch.

The Braves acquired Hand from the Rockies in exchange for Minor League pitcher Alec Barger. Hand will be reunited with former Colorado teammate Pierce Johnson, who was acquired by Atlanta last week.

Though they didn't make a big splash before Tuesday's 6 p.m. ET Trade Deadline, the Braves were happy with this year's haul. Along with enhancing bullpen depth with the additions of Hand and Johnson, they strengthened their bench by acquiring Nicky Lopez from the Royals on Sunday.

"We went through so many different scenarios and so many deals, and you just don't know what you're gonna come away with," general manager Alex Anthopoulos said.

TRADE DETAILS
Braves receive: LHP Brad Hand
Rockies receive: Minor League RHP Alec Barger

Anthopoulos considered multiple options to add a starting pitcher and possibly even a right-handed-hitting outfielder. But along with evaluating what was best for a team that is on pace for 104 wins, he also had to weigh how trading prospects might negatively impact his club in a few years.

"We checked in," Anthopoulos said. "If there were deals that we liked, we obviously would have done them."

Hand posted a 4.54 ERA over 40 appearances (35 2/3 innings) for the Rockies this year. The 33-year-old left-hander’s home split (4.91 ERA, .821 OPS against) and road split (4.15 ERA, .799 OPS against) were similar, but he was much more effective against left-handers (.143 opponents' batting average and .480 opponents' OPS) than against right-handers (.337 opponents' average and 1.006 opponents' OPS).

Braves manager Brian Snitker looks forward to pairing Hand with fellow left-handed relievers A.J. Minter and Dylan Lee, who could be activated from the injured list in a couple of weeks. Having three proven southpaws in the bullpen could prove quite valuable.

"[Hand] has been doing this for a long time and has been very successful," Snitker said. "It's a good addition."

There have been some encouraging signs, as Hand has allowed just one run on three hits over six innings since the All-Star break. Four of the seven appearances within that span were completed at Coors Field.

Hand didn't sign with the Rockies until Spring Training was already underway, but he got off to a strong start, holding opponents scoreless in 12 of his first 16 regular-season appearances. Even with his success since the All-Star break, he has produced a 5.75 ERA in 24 appearances since putting up a 2.93 ERA in those first 16 games.

Minter, Joe Jiménez, Kirby Yates, Collin McHugh, Hand, Johnson and closer Raisel Iglesias should fill seven of the eight bullpen spots once the Braves start carrying five starters again.

Michael Tonkin, Ben Heller and Daysbel Hernández are current bullpen members who could be affected by the arrival of Hand. Hernández seems to be the most likely move to make room for Hand. Tonkin and Heller’s long-term futures in Atlanta’s bullpen are also cloudy with Lee nearing a return, too.

Jesse Chavez could return from the 60-day IL during the second half of August, and Nick Anderson could return in September.

Having an abundance of reliable relievers will give Snitker a chance to be more aggressive with his relief choices when trailing late in games. If he uses a couple of high-leverage guys while chasing a deficit one night, he'd still have a couple more left to cover a lead the next night.

"I think it's good in that when you get a run or two down, you're not so leery about chasing a win," Snitker said.

Barger, a 17th-round pick by the Braves in the 2019 Draft, posted a 3.29 ERA with five saves in 30 outings at Double-A Mississippi this season. The 25-year-old did not rank among Atlanta's Top 30 prospects, according to MLB Pipeline.