Pirates Complete Trade With NL East Contender, Accelerate Injured Pitcher’s Rehab

The Pittsburgh Pirates completed a traded Monday with the Atlanta Braves, MLB.com reports.

According to the report, the Pirates sent right-hander Hunter Stratton to the Braves for minor-league outfielder Titus Dumitru and cash. Pittsburgh later confirmed the report with a post on X.

The 28-year-old Stratton made three appearances this season for the Pirates, giving up seven earned runs in just 2 2/3 innings of work. Pittsburgh designated the reliever for assignment last week. He made 36 relief appearances last season for Pittsburgh, going 2-1 with a 3.58 ERA.

The Braves selected Dumitru, 22, in the 16th round of the 2024 MLB Draft after playing his college ball at New Mexico State. According to the school, Dumitru was named to the 2024 Second Team All-Conference USA. He spent just one season with the Aggies after transferring from Linn Benton College following his sophomore season.

Here’s a brief scouting report on Dumitru from SB Nation: “It’s still a little early to jump on the Dumitru hype train, but if he can continue to keep hitting at a high level he is a guy to watch as someone with a bit of pop who can get on base and run a little bit as well. … Dumitru is a guy worth following a bit more closely.”

The outfielder began this season at High-A Greensboro, where he hit .231 with three home runs and 36 RBIs in 64 games.

The Pirates also announced Tuesday that right-hander Colin Holderman had his rehab assignment transferred from Low-A Bradenton to Triple-A Indianapolis.

He landed on the injured list May 20 with inflammation in his right thumb, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Holderman also missed time in April with a right knee sprain.

The 29-year-old made 14 appearances out of the bullpen this season, giving up 15 earned runs in 15 innings of work. But he was stellar last season, with a 3.16 ERA in 55 relief appearances.

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