Brad

Hand

Hand will hit free agency this offseason after being acquired from the Rockies at the trade deadline. The 33-year-old southpaw reliever finished this past season with an inflated 5.53 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 59/22 K/BB ratio across 53 2/3 innings (60 appearances) between the Rockies and Braves. He’s bounced around quite a bit the last few years, and appears to be on the move again this offseason.

The deal is now official. Hand bolsters Atlanta’s left-handed relief depth for their impending postseason push after posting a solid 4.54 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 41/16 K/BB ratio across 35 2/3 innings (40 appearances) this season for Colorado. The 33-year-old veteran left-hander has plenty of experience in the NL East over his career, which certainly is a benefit for the Braves, the only team he hasn’t suited up for yet in the division. He’ll be a free agent at the end of the year.

Murray adds that the Rockies will receive pitching prospect Alec Barger in the deal. Hand will augment Atlanta’s relief depth with another reliable left-handed option. The 33-year-old southpaw has compiled a 4.54 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 41/16 K/BB ratio across 35 2/3 innings (40 appearances) this season. He’ll be a free agent at the conclusion of the year.

Bard deserves credit for being forthcoming and transparent about the issue after struggling with his pitch command during the World Baseball Classic. It’s unclear how long he’ll wind up being sidelined at the moment. His absence likely opens the door for Pierce Johnson, Brad Hand or even Dinelson Lamet to pick up some early-season saves in Colorado.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that Hand will receive an additional $1 million if he makes Colorado’s Opening Day roster, and the deal also includes a $500,000 buyout. It’s a rather strange fit, but Hand should be able to pitch in high-leverage spots for the Rockies this season. The soon-to-be 33-year-old southpaw recorded five saves last season for the Phillies to go along with a 2.80 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and a 38/23 K/BB ratio 45 innings (55 appearances).

The 32-year-old left-hander pitched pretty well for the Phillies in 2022 -- registering a 2.80 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and a 38/23 K/BB ratio 45 innings in his 55 appearances. He also picked up five saves -- giving him 131 for his career. He’s not the elite high-leverage specialist that he once was, but Hand looks like he should still be a functional piece in most bullpens around the league.

Sosa worked hard to come back sooner than expected from a right hamstring strain and has pulled it off. He offers a good infield glove and hit well for the Phils down the stretch, too. Brad Hand (elbow) is also on Philly’s roster.

Hand played catch on Sunday without any issues and will progress to facing hitters later this week. The 32-year-old veteran left-hander could be ready to return for the National League Wild Card Series, which is set to begin on Friday. He’s been out since late September due to left elbow tendinitis.

The move is retroactive to September 22. Hand struggled in his last outing, giving up four runs while recording just one out against the Red Sox. The 32-year-old left-hander has been otherwise excellent this season, posting a 2.80 ERA with five saves over 45 innings. Chris Devenski was activated in the corresponding move to take Hand’s place in the bullpen.

Domínguez has bounced back quickly from a right triceps ailment but will need at least one rehab appearance before being activated. He’s not expected to return until at least until the Phillies’ next homestand, which begins September 6.