Braves trade for relievers Pierce Johnson (Rox), Hearn (Rangers)

ATLANTA -- The Braves began revitalizing their bullpen on Monday, when they acquired Pierce Johnson from the Rockies and left-hander Taylor Hearn from the Rangers.

Johnson was acquired in exchange for right-handed reliever Victor Vodnik, who ranked as the Braves’ No. 10 prospect per MLB Pipeline, and right-handed pitcher Tanner Gordon, who ranked as the Braves’ No. 26 prospect.

Hearn, who was designated for assignment last week, was acquired from the Rangers for cash considerations.

TRADE DETAILS
Braves get: RHP Pierce Johnson
Rockies get: Minor League RHPs Victor Vodnik, Tanner Gordon

Braves get: LHP Taylor Hearn
Rangers get: Cash considerations

Johnson will have an opportunity to become a key cog within Atlanta’s bullpen. As for Hearn, he provides the Braves another left-handed option. But more importantly, he has Minor League options remaining, meaning he could help create some roster flexibility.

Johnson posted a 6.00 ERA over 43 appearances (39 innings) for the Rockies this year. The Braves feel away from Coors Field, the 32-year-old reliever could be as successful as he was when he posted a 3.09 ERA and had a 32.1% K rate over 87 appearances (78 2/3 innings) for the Padres from 2020-21.

How much has Coors Field affected Johnson this year?

Home: 25 app., 23.2 IP, .292 BA, .384 OBP, .531 SLG, 6 HR, 25.7% K rate, 7.23 ERA
Away: 18 app., 15.1 IP, .292, .387 OPB, .431 SLG, 1 HR, 38.7% K rate, 4.11 ERA

If Johnson pitches effectively, he could join Kirby Yates and Joe Jiménez as the top right-handed setup options.

The Braves have spent the past couple weeks without top setup man A.J. Minter, who will begin a Minor League rehab assignment on Tuesday with Triple-A Gwinnett. They’ve also spent the past two months without another of their top lefty relievers, Dylan Lee, who is still a couple of weeks away from returning from the injured list.

Hearn provides the Braves another left-handed option. The 28-year-old southpaw has pitched just seven innings in the Majors this year. He had a 3.66 ERA over 39 1/3 innings for Triple-A Round Rock.

Ben Heller and Daysbel Hernández are the only current members of the Braves’ bullpen who have at least one option remaining. Hearn’s presence in the organization will provide president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos some roster flexibility over the season’s final two months.