Once again, the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Angels have made a trade. This time, the Braves get exactly what they wanted in left-handed reliever Scott Downs. The Braves have wanted a southpaw in their bullpen for a while now and Downs is the right man for the job. Who is he and what can he provide for Atlanta?
Downs is a 34-year-old with 12 years of MLB experience under his belt. He made his name with the Toronto Blue Jays from 2005-2010 where he posted a 20-18 record with a 3.13 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 7.5 K/9 Ratio. He then moved to Los Angeles, where he pitched with the Angels from 2011-2013. He struggled in 2012, but bounced back this year with a 2-3 record accompanied by a 1.84 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 6.8 K/9 Ratio.
Braves' manager, Fredi Gonzalez, will have a lefty specialist in the pen as Downs can immediately make his presence in Atlanta. Lefties are hitting a miniscule .196 off Downs, he has 14 strikeouts to three walks, allowing no home runs and 10 hits against 55 lefty hitters faced this season. Downs should also feast on Turner Field dimensions as right-center field is way deeper in Atlanta than in Angels Stadium's.
Everybody in Atlanta is probably wondering about Downs' playoff experience. The Braves are clearly playoff contenders and are playing for the N.L.'s best record, enabling them to at least have home field advantage through the N.L. Pennant. Well, that might be a problem as Downs has never pitched in the postseason. However, his 12 years in the league should make it easy to adjust. As long as Gonzalez uses him in consistent situations throughout the season, allowing the lefty to become adjusted to a specific role, then Downs should make the adequate adjustments in Atlanta as the team gears for the playoffs.
* The Braves sent Cory Rasmus to Los Angeles for the lefty veteran.
**Downs is making his way to Atlanta. Still unknown if he's going to be eligible to play for the Braves tonight.
