First baseman Mark Teixeira is now an Atlanta Brave.

Texas Ranger first baseman Mark Teixeira, a former Georgia Tech standout, has been traded to the Atlanta Braves. He joined the lineup July 31.

Teixeira, who played third base for the Yellow Jackets, was a junior and first-round draft pick by the Rangers in 2001.

A Gold Glove fielder, the 27-year-old Teixeira is a switch-hitter who averaged 35 home runs during his first four seasons as a major league player (2003—06).

While he spent time on the disabled list in June with a strained leg, he played all 162 games the previous two seasons.

The multiplayer trade also brings aid to the Braves' bullpen from veteran left-hander Ron Mahay. Teixeira, a Maryland native, is due for free agency after the 2008 season.