The Atlanta Braves wasted little time addressing a sudden gap in their pitching staff. Just hours after placing right-hander Reynaldo López on the 15-day injured list, the team struck a deal with the San Francisco Giants to acquire right-hander Tyler Mahle on Sunday night.

Mahle, 31, comes to Atlanta with a season record of 3-9 and a 5.14 ERA over 18 games, but the Braves are betting on a recent uptick in performance. In four July starts, Mahle went 2-1 with a 2.82 ERA, showing the kind of command that once made him a sought-after arm. Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos revealed that the organization had kept tabs on Mahle for years. “We actually talked with him as a free agent when he signed with the Rangers (before the 2024 season),” Anthopoulos said during a conference call. “He’s had good success in the past.”

Over his 10-year major-league career, Mahle holds a 42-55 record with a 4.19 ERA. While those numbers don’t scream ace, the Braves see a pitcher who can provide stability in the middle of the rotation—especially against left-handed batters. “He’s really good against left-handers,” Anthopoulos added. “We still think we can make some improvements against right-handers.”

To bring Mahle to Atlanta, the Braves sent right-hander Anthony Molina to San Francisco. Molina, 24, appeared in three games for the Braves this season, logging a 5.40 ERA, but spent the bulk of the year at Triple-A Gwinnett. The Braves had originally claimed Molina off waivers from the Colorado Rockies in December. The Giants promptly optioned him to Triple-A Sacramento.

The timing of the trade was anything but coincidental. López was scratched from his scheduled start against the Washington Nationals on Saturday night after experiencing discomfort in his left knee. An MRI revealed inflammation, prompting the team to place him on the 15-day IL. Anthopoulos downplayed the severity, saying López is not expected to miss much time, but acknowledged the team had already been scouring the market for additional rotation help.

For Atlanta, the move bolsters depth at a critical juncture. The Braves are navigating a tight divisional race and cannot afford to let a temporary injury derail their momentum. Mahle’s recent form suggests he could step in immediately and deliver quality innings. His ability to limit damage against left-handed hitters fits well with the Braves’ defensive strengths, and the front office appears confident that tweaks against righties will follow.

Mahle will join a rotation that already features standout arms, but his role will be to eat innings and keep the team in games. The Braves hope that the change of scenery—from a rebuilding Giants club to a contender—will unlock the consistency that has eluded him for much of the season.

As the trade deadline approaches, Anthopoulos and his staff have signaled that they are not done yet. “We’ve liked him in the past and we’ve followed him,” Anthopoulos said of Mahle. The message is clear: Atlanta is positioning itself for a deep playoff run, one pitcher at a time.