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The Houston Astros have traded SP Jake Odorizzi to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for LHP Will Smith, per Mark Berman.
Smith had fallen into bad graces with Atlanta this season, after making himself a hero during their World Series run last fall. The lefty was lights out during the 2021 postseason, throwing 11 innings, allowing no runs, five hits and eight strikeouts with five saves. This year, has been a completely different story for Smith with a 4.38 ERA. The Braves were proactive and brought in Kenley Jansen from the Los Angeles Dodgers in the offseason to be the closer.
Odorizzi gives Atlanta some depth in their starting rotation. This season, Odorizzi is 4-3 with a 3.75 ERA, 46 strikeouts and 17 walks. If needed he can stretch into the bullpen for the Braves during the postseason. The swap gives both pitchers a fresh start and change of scenery that can do wonders for a player stuck in a rut.