MLB Rumors: Cardinals best trades, Braves-Red Sox trade, Dodgers target

MLB Rumors: Braves trade for Red Sox P Nick Pivetta makes perfect sense

If the Atlanta Braves elect to make any kind of move at the MLB Trade Deadline, the likelihood is that it’s going to be to help fortify the bullpen.

Yes, you could make the case for trying to add another arm to the rotation given the myriad of injuries that the best in the National League have weathered through the first half of the season, but with Max Fried, Michael Soroka and Kyle Wright on the mend and either returning soon or already returning, that’s less of a priority.

There are a number of relief pitchers who could help the Braves in a big way, but one of the sneakier options could be looking to the Boston Red Sox. No, they wouldn’t be looking to get Kenley Jansen back in Atlanta, but they could look to give veteran Nick Pivetta a change of scenery.

Pivetta began the season in the Red Sox rotation but, after struggles as a starter and with others returning from injuries, Pivetta was moved to the bullpen. Though he was less than thrilled with the move, he has been substantially better as a reliever this season.

In 29.0 innings as a reliever this season, Pivetta has posted a 2.79 ERA and 0.93 WHIP for Boston, looking like a dominant hurler who may have stumbled into his best role as a multi-inning guy out of the bullpen.

Often, the Braves have turned to Michael Tonkin in that role, but their other options aren’t readily apparent. And while Boston could be looking to buy at the trade deadline in their own right, the Red Sox could use more stability in the lineup, meaning someone like a Vaughn Grissom or Travis d’Arnaud could fit the bill, though that might mean offering another player along with Pivetta, who is only under club control for one more year after this season.

Even still, there are fits for both teams in a trade, so you have to wonder if the two front offices are already cooking something up.