Braves acquire Johnson and Maholm from the Cubs

The Braves have acquired right-handed hitting outfielder Reed Johnson and left-handed pitcher Paul Maholm from the Cubs in exchange for two Minor League pitchers.

One of those Minor League players is Arodys Vizcaino, a heralded right-handed prospect who is sidelined this year while recovering from Tommy John surgery.  The other pitcher is Jaye Chapman, who has spent this season with Triple-A Gwinnett.

The Braves were able to satisfy their desires to add a starting pitcher and a right-handed hitter to strengthen their bench.

Maholm has gone 5-0 with a 1.00 ERA in the seven appearances he has made dating back to June 29.  The 30-year-old left-handed pitcher has allowed two earned runs or fewer in 12 of his 21 starts this season.

Johnson has batted .307 with three home runs and a .807 OPS in 166 at-bats with the Cubs this season.  The 35-year-old outfielder has been on the Braves’ radar in the past.  He has batted .280 with a .743 OPS in 161 career pinch-hit at-bats.