Braves Shake Up Bullpen, Bring In Stratton, Molina

0:00It's May 1st, welcome to MLB News today, powered by AI and ready for first pitch. The Atlanta Braves are shaking up their bullpen big time before this West Coast road trip. They designated Joel Pams and Jose Suarez for assignment Friday morning, clearing spots on the 40-man roster. In their place, Hunter Stratton returns to the majors and Anthony Molina gets called up from AAA. Both Pams and Suarez struggled hard this season, especially after pitching in Thursday's 5-2 loss to the Detroit Tigers. Pams posted an 8.22 ERA over 12 appearances and 7-2 thirds innings. Suarez had a 6.61 ERA in eight outings after shifting from starter to long reliever. These moves keep the Braves stocked with long relief options amid back-end inconsistencies. Pams came back on a $2.5 million deal, while Suarez arrived in last year's Ian Anderson trade. Pams see it as a needed reset to stabilize late innings. Stratton impressed lassies and post-trade from Pittsburgh with a 2.20 ERA in 12 games.

1:05Molina, claimed off waivers from Colorado, has handled multi-inning stints in Gwyneth, often 2 and a third innings or more. Perfect timing since Denver's next on the schedule. More firepower hits soon, with Spencer Strider starting Sunday and another roster tweak likely before then. Braves open in Colorado Friday at 8.40 p.m. with grand homes on the mound, hoping this refresh pin carries them through the series.