Braves try to one-up Nationals with bullpen trades
The Atlanta Braves saw all the improvements the Washington Nationals made to their bullpen on Wednesday and worked to counter it with some trades of their own.
On deadline day, the Nationals acquired three relief pitchers to help their bullpen. They added Daniel Hudson from Toronto, Roenis Elias from Seattle, and Hunter Strickland also from the Mariners. Hudson has been the most reliable of the three this season, appearing in 45 games with a 3.00 ERA. Strickland has appeared in just four games as he returned from an injury.
The Braves got busy trying to improve their bullpen by adding Chris Martin from the Rangers on Tuesday. On Wednesday, they added two more relievers.
The acquisition of Tigers All-Star closer Shane Greene should have the biggest impact. He has a 1.18 ERA and 22 saves this season. The Braves also reportedly acquired Mark Melancon from the Giants. Melancon is 4-2 with a save and has a 3.50 ERA in 43 games. Melancon made All-Star teams in 2013, 2015 and 2016 with Pittsburgh.
The Braves lead the NL East and want to keep their hold on the division. The Nationals are looking to solidify a playoff spot if not outright surpass the Braves in the standings.
