Rockies trade pitcher Brad Hand to Braves for prospect Alec Barger

The Rockies continued to clear their current shelves and restock their future pitching cupboards as Tuesday afternoon’s trade deadline looms.

Colorado traded veteran left-handed reliever Brad Hand to the Braves in exchange for Double-A right-handed reliever Alec Barger, the Rockies announced.

The Rockies also beefed up their current bullpen by acquiring left-hander Justin Bruihl from the Dodgers in exchange for cash considerations, a source confirmed. Bruihl, 26, was designated for assignment last week. He went 1-0 with a 4.07 ERA in 20 appearances for Los Angeles.

Barger, 25, was a 17th-round pick of the Braves in the 2019 draft out of North Carolina State. He’s posted a 3.29 ERA with five saves in 30 outings at Double-A Mississippi this year. Over 38 1/3 innings (30 appearances), he has 48 strikeouts and five saves.