Braves Acquire Tyler Mahle From Giants To Bolster Rotation

The Atlanta Braves acquired right-hander Tyler Mahle from the San Francisco Giants on Sunday night, adding a veteran arm to their rotation just hours after placing Reynaldo Lopez on the 15-day injured list. The trade marks the Braves’ latest move to address depth in their pitching staff amid ongoing injury concerns. Mahle, 31, was 3-9 with a 5.14 ERA in 18 games for the Giants this season. The Braves sent 24-year-old right-hander Anthony Molina to San Francisco, who was subsequently optioned to Triple-A Sacramento. Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos confirmed the acquisition, citing Mahle’s recent performance and past success against left-handed hitters.

“We actually talked with him as a free agent when he signed with the Rangers before the 2024 season,” Anthopoulos said in a conference call. “He’s had good success in the past.” The Braves’ decision to pursue Mahle came after Lopez was scratched from Saturday’s start against the Washington Nationals due to left-knee inflammation. An MRI revealed inflammation, though Anthopoulos noted Lopez is not expected to spend significant time on the injured list. Over his 10-year career, Mahle owns a 42-55 record with a 4.19 ERA. Molina, selected by Atlanta off waivers from Colorado in December, struggled in his brief Major League stint. The 24-year-old posted a 5.40 ERA in three games with the Braves this season but spent most of the year in Triple-A Gwinnett. Their rotation has faced challenges this season, with Lopez’s injury adding to the pressure on starting pitchers.