According to ESPN.com, Monday’s trade that sent starting pitcher Jake Odorizzi to the Atlanta Braves and reliever Will Smith to the Houston Astros is now official.
Odorizzi adds some much-needed insurance to the back-end of Atlanta’s starting rotation, given the recent struggles of Ian Anderson. A former All-Star in 2019, Odorizzi is enjoying a solid season, compiling a 3.75 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and a 46/17 strikeout to walk ratio over 60.0 innings pitched (12 starts).
As for Smith, he will likely serve as a setup man to Astros closer Ryan Pressly.