Braves Acquire Reliever Michael Petersen from Angels in Latest Trade

ATLANTA, Ga. — The Atlanta Braves announced Tuesday they have acquired right-handed reliever Michael Petersen from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for cash considerations. Petersen, 30, was designated for assignment by the Angels the previous day.

The trade marks the fifth transaction between the Braves and Angels since the offseason began. Atlanta’s roster opened up as they placed an unnamed player on the restricted list following a suspension for performance-enhancing drugs.

Petersen, who made his major league debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers last summer, had a brief stint with the Angels, making only one appearance for their Triple-A affiliate this season. There, he allowed two runs in just 1 1/3 innings pitched. Historically, Petersen has produced strong numbers in the minor leagues, boasting a 1.64 ERA with a strikeout rate of over 35% last season in 33 innings for the Dodgers’ top affiliate.

Despite his minor league success, Petersen has struggled to find his footing in the majors, with a 5.95 ERA and 1.627 WHIP during stints with both the Dodgers and Miami Marlins last season.

Braves General Manager Alex Anthopoulos expressed confidence in Petersen’s potential, stating, “While his MLB numbers haven’t been ideal, he has the talent and experience we believe can benefit our bullpen depth.”

With the Braves struggling to start the season, the pitching staff has faced challenges, allowing 11 runs in their first five games for a collective 6.19 ERA. The addition of Petersen may provide some much-needed relief as Atlanta looks to bolster its performances on the mound.

Petersen joins the Braves’ rotation as they also recently shuffled their lineup by optioning Zach Thompson after recalling veteran Jesse Chavez. The urgency for fresh arms comes after consecutive short outings from the starting rotation.

“We need all the depth we can get,” Braves manager Brian Snitker remarked. “Every inning counts, especially in these early games.”

Prior to his trade to the Braves, Petersen was part of a tumultuous offseason, bouncing between the Dodgers, Marlins, Blue Jays, and Angels, which reflects his journey in establishing himself within major league baseball.

As the days unfold, fans and analysts are eager to see how Petersen will contribute to the Braves—particularly as his opportunity to pitch in the majors looms on the horizon.