Braves trade Hale, Schlosser to Rockies for 2 catchers

The Atlanta Braves traded right-handers David Hale and Gus Schlosser to the Colorado Rockies in exchange for catchers Jose Briceno and Chris O'Dowd. 

Hale started four games for the Braves last season, but was moved to the bullpen in late April and spent almost the remainder of the season there – before making one more start in late September. He posted a 3.30 ERA and 44 strikeouts in 87 1/3 innings. 

The 27-year-old was expected to compete for the fifth spot in the rotation for the Braves and will likely do the same with the Rockies. 

Schlosser struggled in 2014 at both the major league and Triple-A level. The 26-year-old made 25 appearances (15 starts) with Gwinnett, going 7-6 with a 4.17 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 99 1/3 innings. He posted a 7.64 ERA and 1.64 WHIP in 17 2/3 innings of relief with Atlanta. 

Briceno spent all of last season in Single-A, hitting .283/.336/.476 with 12 home runs and 50 RBIs in 84 games. 

O'Dowd, the son of former Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd, hit .271/.335/.385 with five home runs and 48 RBIs in 113 games split between Double and Single-A.