Braves Acquire Kinley, DFA De Los Santos

The Atlanta Braves acquired veteran reliever Tyler Kinley from the Colorado Rockies in exchange for minor league right-hander Austin Smith ahead of the MLB trade deadline. Kinley, 34, has struggled with a 5.66 ERA this season but is backed by advanced metrics and a strong strikeout rate that suggest he could improve. The Braves, dealing with significant pitching injuries, view Kinley as bullpen depth and may consider his $5 million club option for 2026. To make roster space, Atlanta designated Enyel De Los Santos for assignment. Austin Smith, 26, has a 4.31 ERA in the minors, was not ranked among Atlanta's top 30 prospects, and has dealt with injuries including Tommy John surgery. The Rockies signal a focus on rebuilding by trading bullpen arms like Kinley.