Atlanta Braves news and links: Braves complete three-team mega deal

Braves News:

Braves drop fourth in a row in Philly

Aaron Harang and the rest of the Philies pitchers kept the Braves quiet at the plate all night, as Philadelphia won with ease, 4-1. Harang pitched five innings of one-run ball, despite giving up nine hits. The Braves lone run came in the top of the third inning, as A.J Pierzynski drove in Nick Markakis. For the Braves, Shelby Miller made it six innings, but gave up four runs in the process.

Braves complete three-team mega deal

With the trade deadline officially upon us, deals are being made left and right. Atlanta was quick to hop into the action, taking part in one of the biggest deals which occurred all Thursday:

...the Atlanta Braves have finalized the deal with LA Dodgers, sending LHP Alex Wood, closer Jim Johnson, minor league infielder and former top prospect Jose Peraza, injured pitcher Bronson Arroyo, and reliever Luis Avilan in exchange for Cuban signee Hector Olivera, Paco Rodriguez, the 35th pick in the 2016 draft (competitive balance pick), and minor league prospect pitcher Zach Bird.

For a more detailed look at what Atlanta received in the deal, our own Garrett Spain has you covered here.

Despite all of the trades, Chris Johnson remains

Coming into this year's trade deadline, it was no secret that the Braves were ready to move on from Chris Johnson. Just last week it was reported that both parties would be open to a trade. The 30-year-old is hitting .233/.270/.308 with just a single home run. It's safe to say that, for lack of a better term, he's overstayed his welcome in Atlanta. But after a flurry of moves on Thursday, Johnson has yet to be traded. With some time before the deadline, Chris Johnson's status will be something to keep an eye on.

"Yeah, it’s awkward," said Johnson, who said more than once in recent weeks that he hoped the Braves would be able to trade him before Friday’s non-waiver trade deadline. "When you’re somewhere where people say publicly they’re trying to move you, and tell you they’re trying to move you, it’s difficult. But I’m just going to try to keep working, do better."

MLB News:

Blue Jays acquire David Price

Just days after trading for Troy Tulowitzki, the Toronto Blue Jays are at it again: on Thursday, Toronto sent left-handed pitchers Daniel Norris, Matt Boyd, and Jairo Labourt in exchange for Detroit Tigers' left-hander David Price. Price, acquired by the Tigers at last year's deadline, is 9-4 on the season with a 2.53 ERA. Price, a former American League Cy Young award winner, has six years of experience pitching in the AL East, all with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Astros acquire Carlos Gomez and Mike Fiers

Once the laughing stock of the league, the now 58-45 Houston Astros are standing in first place in the American League West with their eyes set on the playoffs. They made sure to help ensure a trip to the playoffs on Thursday by trading for Carlos Gomez and Mike Fiers from the Milwaukee Brewers. Gomez, 29, is hitting .262 with eight home runs. Fiers, 30, has a 3.89 ERA in 21 starts for the Brewers this year. Houston parted with outfielders Brett Philips and Domingo Santana, and pitchers Josh Hader and Adrian Houser.