Braves bulk up staff, add Mahle, 31, from Giants
The San Francisco Giants traded veteran pitcher Tyler Mahle, 31, to the Atlanta Braves, the clubs announced late Sunday night, as the NL East's first-place team landed a 6-foot-3 right-hander who is 3-9 with a 5.13 ERA and 89 strikeouts this season.
The Atlanta Braves are making a push to bolster their pitching staff, and the addition of Tyler Mahle from the San Francisco Giants is a significant move. With a 3-9 record and 5.13 ERA this season, Mahle may not be flashing the most impressive numbers, but his 89 strikeouts and 6-foot-3 frame suggest he has the potential to make an impact in the Braves' rotation. For coaches, the key will be to help Mahle refine his mechanics and get him back on track.
This move is all about the Braves' desire to deepen their pitching staff and make a serious run at the playoffs. As the first-place team in the NL East, they're clearly looking to make a statement and add some veteran presence to their rotation. Mahle's experience and ability to eat innings could be just what the Braves need to make a deep postseason run. Coaches will be watching closely to see how Mahle meshes with the Braves' existing staff and how he performs in his new surroundings.
What's next to watch is how Mahle performs in his Braves debut and how the team's rotation shakes out in the coming weeks. Will Mahle slot in as a mid-rotation starter, or will he be asked to take on a more prominent role? Coaches will also be keeping an eye on the Braves' bullpen, as the team's relievers have been solid this season and will need to continue to pitch well to support Mahle and the rest of the rotation.
Originally reported by espn.com. CoachNews adds analysis for sports & fitness readers.