The Braves have acquired veteran left-hander Brad Hand from the Rockies for minor-league right-hander Alec Barger. Hand will play for his ninth team in his career, having played for the Miami Marlins, San Diego Padres, Cleveland Guardians, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Toronto Blue Jays, Washington Nationals, Colorado Rockies, and now the Braves. The Braves needed bullpen help, and they believe the addition of the 33-year-old vet, Hand, can help them in a deep playoff push. Colorado signed Hand in the late offseason, and he has pitched to average numbers, carrying a 4.54 ERA in 40 games in a hitter’s park; he also posts a 4.03 FIP, a 1.43 WHIP, a 4.0 BB/9, and a 10.3 K/9. Interestingly enough, with the trade to Atlanta, Hand will now have played for all five National League East teams; the Marlins from 2011-2015, the Nationals and Mets in 2021, and the Phillies in 2022. Atlanta is sending 25-year-old Double-A righty Alec Barger to Colorado. The Braves selected Barger in the 17th round of the 2019 MLB Draft. Barger has pitched to a 3.29 ERA in 30 games, striking out 48 and collecting five saves at Double-AA Mississippi. Hand will most likely be in the Braves bullpen tomorrow when Atlanta wraps up their series against the Los Angeles Angels.
