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The Padres announced tonight that they traded pitcher Casey Kelly and catcher Ricardo Rodriquez to the Atlanta Braves to acquire catcher Christian Bethancourt. Casey Kelly was the last player remaining from the Adrian Gonzalez trade from way back when. Kelly was injured a good portion of his time in the Padres organization, only playing in 9 major league games. He just returned to start for the Padres at the end of the 2015 season.
The #Padres have acquired C Bethancourt from the Braves and will send RHP Kelly and C Rodriguez to Atlanta: https://t.co/GVyWM6xa9D
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) December 11, 2015
Bethancourt is lauded for his strong throwing arm but lacks the offensive numbers so far. A.J. Preller may be considering another move in the near future, possibly trading Austin Hedges or Derek Norris.
There has to be another move coming...expect Austin Hedges or Derek Norris to be dealt soon.
— Ben Higgins (@BenHigginsSD) December 11, 2015
Then again Preller could flip Bethancourt too. Stay tuned.