The Atlanta Braves have been going through it since the 2025 season kicked off. Their starting catcher went down in spring training with a broken rib, their top offseason acquisition was suspended for 80 games for violating MLB's PED policy, and Reynaldo Lopez went down with a shoulder injury that will require surgery. Oh yeah, and they're 0-6.
Atlanta has to be wondering what on earth they've done to anger the baseball gods. It's almost like the 2024 season never ended. This has forced the Braves to immediately test their roster depth. Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuna Jr. can't return soon enough.
Profar's suspension and Lopez's injury forced Alex Anthopoulos to go out and make roster moves. Atlanta acquired outfielder Stuart Fairchild from the Reds for cash considerations and added him to the active roster ahead of Tuesday's game in LA.
Braves once again complete a trade with the Angels, this time for reliever Michael Petersen
The Braves also announced Tuesday that they traded for Angels reliever Michael Petersen. He was acquired for cash considerations after being designated for assignment by the Halos on Monday. Petersen was immediately optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett.
The #Braves today acquired RHP Michael Petersen from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for cash considerations and optioned him to Triple-A Gwinnett.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 2, 2025
Atlanta has been keen on making trades with the Angels this season. They've dealt Jorge Soler, Angel Perdomo, and Ian Anderson to the Halos this year. Perry Minasian, the Angels GM, used to be the VP of baseball operations for the Braves. There's some familiarity there that helps these deals a bit easier, we're sure.
Petersen debuted with the Dodgers in 2024 but was soon claimed by the Marlins where he made five appearances for the fish. Miami passed him through waivers this offseason and he has been with the Blue Jays and Angels.
The Angels cut ties with him when they acquired Jake Eder from the White Sox. Petersen is a native of the UK and has appeared in just 1 1/3 minor league innings so far, allowing two earned runs on four hits with no walks and two strikeouts.
He had decent numbers in Triple-A last season with a 1.64 ERA over 33 innings pitched, but his time in the Majors didn't go as swimmingly — he allowed 10 runs over 14 innings with the Dodgers and four runs over 5 2/3 innings with the Marlins. He issued 11 walks and struck out 14 batters during that span.
At the very least, Petersen provides depth and has two minor league options left, so he will likely be part of the team's caravan this season.