Colorado Rockies Acquire Right-handed Pitching Prospect Alec Barger From the Atlanta Braves in Exchange for Left-hander Brad Hand

DENVER – The Colorado Rockies announced today they have acquired right-handed pitcher Alec Barger from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for left-handed pitcher Brad Hand.

Barger, 25, was selected by the Braves in the 17th round of the 2019 First-Year Player Draft out of North Carolina State University. In his first taste of Double-A action, the righty has gone 3-2 with a 3.29 ERA (38.1 IP, 14 ER), 48 strikeouts and five saves in 30 relief appearances with the Mississippi Braves this season. At the time of the trade, he ranked among Southern League leaders in both games (T-5th) and saves (T-8th). Barger has logged 111 career Minor League appearances (19 starts), posting a 10-10 record with a 4.51 ERA (187.2 IP, 94 ER) and 239 strikeouts across four levels.

Hand was originally signed by Colorado on March 4 to a one-year Major League contract with a club option for 2024. In 40 relief appearances this season, he has posted a 4.54 ERA (35.2 IP, 18 ER) with 16 walks and 41 strikeouts.

The Rockies have 37 players on the 40-man roster.