CONTENDERS SWAP RELIEVERS
The San Diego Padres acquired pitcher Wil Ledezma and Will Startup from the Atlanta Braves for pitchers Royce Ring.
What does it give the Atlanta Braves
Ring marks the third reliever the Braves acquired on deadline day, transforming a bullpen that had very little depth into an asset through and through. Though the 26-year-old southpaw was currently in the minors with the Padres, if the Braves add him to their roster they'll have two bullpen lefties from now on (with Ron Mahay) where they had none until now. In 56 big-league appearances, he's often been very effective against hitters from both sides of the plate.
What does it give the San Diego Padres
Ledezma is another 26-year-old southpaw, only with much more big-league experience. He's struggled with the Tigers and Braves this year, so he's something of a reclamation project, but he's versatile and has been effective in the past as both a middle reliever and spot-starter. Startup has emerged as a solid relief prospect in recent years, moving up the ranks fast in three seasons to where he's been closing effectively at Triple-A this year. He could rise to the Padres as soon as this season.
Fantasy impact
