Dodgers News: Former Braves Surprised And Happy With Trade

The former Atlanta Braves and newest Los Angeles Dodgers were at Dodger Stadium on Friday for the first time as a member of the Dodgers.

Relievers Jim Johnson and Luis Avilan, and starting pitcher Alex Wood all came to the NL West leaders in a three-team, 13-player deal between the Dodgers, Braves and Miami Marlins. Starting pitcher Mat Latos arrived on Saturday afternoon and will pitch on Sunday.

The former Braves talked to the media on Friday and broke down how they felt during the trade talks and once the deal was done. Johnson, a 32-year-old former closer, felt that a move was coming, at least on his part. “I was looking like I was going to get traded this last week,” Johnson said.

He did not feel the same about his teammates though.

“I think these two guys were kind of surprised and I was surprised that they were getting traded as well,” the former All-Star remarked.

His teammates felt the same way. Wood, a 24-year-old left-handed start with three years experience, wasn’t exactly on the trading block, especially considering he wouldn’t be a free agent until after the 2019 season. Regardless of the shock, Wood wasn’t upset with the results. “I was pretty surprised and I think Louie [Avilan] probably was too. I wasn’t expecting it, but I guess after it’s all said and done, it was a good surprise. I’m excited,” the young, left-hander said.

Avilan, a young, left-handed reliever, was also not expecting to be dealt. He wasn’t really sure of all that was going on though, for a reason he noted. “I was very surprised. I didn’t see this one coming. I don’t have Twitter anymore so I don’t read that. It was a really good surprise to be here with this team,” Avilan said.

All in all, the trio should help the Dodgers solidify their pitching staff and make their run to a third straight division title.