Braves News: Victor Mederos acquired, Grant Holmes spectacular, and more
Atlanta Braves news and notes from Friday.
Aug 12, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Victor Mederos (58) reacts in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images On Friday afternoon, the Atlanta Braves announced that they had acquired right-hander Victor Mederos from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for international bonus pool money. He was immediately optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett, and to make room on the roster, fellow righty AJ Smith-Shawver was transferred to the 60-day injured list.
The #Braves today acquired RHP Víctor Mederos from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for international bonus pool money, and optioned him to Triple-A Gwinnett. To make room on the 40-man roster, the club transferred RHP AJ Smith-Shawver to the 60-day injured list. — Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 3, 2026 Mederos only has 12 big league games under his belt, each with the Angels.
In those 12 games, he’s given up 24 runs, issued 21 walks, and struck out 22. Though not a blockbuster move for Atlanta, Mederos can provide some depth, should the pitching staff continue to be riddled with injury. As for Smith-Shawver, the move was expected as he continues to recover from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in June 2025.
More Braves News: Grant Holmes turned in a spectacular start Friday night as the Braves defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 2-0. Spencer Strider got some action in a bullpen session on Friday, but there is still no timetable for his return. John Gil launched a homer in his debut with the Rome Emperors on Thursday.