Braves acquire Pierce Johnson from Rockies

The Atlanta Braves added some depth to their bullpen, acquiring right-hander Pierce Johnson from the Colorado Rockies in exchange for right-handed pitching prospects Victor Vodnik and Tanner Gordon, the clubs announced Monday.

Johnson, 32, owns a 6.00 ERA, 4.57 FIP, and 1.85 WHIP along with a 13.4 K/9 rate in 39 innings for the Rockies this season. He's pitched better of late, though, posting a .327 ERA with 18 strikeouts and just one home run allowed across his last 12 outings. He's earning $5 million this year and will be a free agent after the season.

The Braves undoubtedly hope that Johnson can recapture his form from the 2020 and '21 seasons when he pitched for the San Diego Padres. He emerged as a solid middle-relief option in those two campaigns, posting a 3.09 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and 104 strikeouts over that span.

Johnson struggled in his first majors stint before turning his career around with a dominant 2019 season in Japan that led to his signing with the Padres. Over 183 big-league appearances with four teams, the right-hander owns a 4.48 ERA, 3.81 FIP, and 1.44 WHIP with 221 strikeouts, 92 walks, and 13 saves.

Vodnik, ranked as the Braves' No. 10 prospect by MLB.com prior to the trade, is in his fifth minor-league season. The 23-year-old owns a 3.10 ERA and 1.25 WHIP with 56 strikeouts and 25 walks in 30 relief appearances for Double-A Mississippi this season.

Gordon, 25, posted a cumulative 5.86 ERA and 1.36 WHIP with 76 strikeouts and 25 walks over 17 appearances (16 starts) between Mississippi and Triple-A Gwinnett this year. Atlanta's No. 26 prospect was promoted to Triple-A early in the 2023 season but sent back down to Double-A after struggling at the highest minor-league level.

The Braves added a second bullpen depth piece on Monday by acquiring left-hander Taylor Hearn from the Texas Rangers for cash considerations, the club announced. Hearn, 28, was designated for assignment last week after posting a 10.29 ERA in four appearances for Texas this season. He also posted a 3.66 ERA with 54 strikeouts in 24 games for the Triple-A Round Rock.

Unlike Johnson, Hearn still has minor-league options remaining.

To make room for their new pitchers on the 40-man roster, the Braves designated left-hander Lucas Luetge and righty Dereck Rodriguez for assignment.