A method for controlling a hybrid powertrain includes the following steps: (a) receiving, via a control module, a torque request; (b) commanding, via the control module, the first clutch of an automatic transmission to shift to a disengaged position in response to the torque request; (c) commanding, via the control module, an electric motor-generator to transmit torque to an internal combustion engine until a speed of a second clutch is substantially synchronized with a speed of the internal combustion engine; and (d) commanding, via the control module, the second clutch to shift to the engaged position after the speed of the second clutch is substantially synchronized with the speed of the internal combustion engine. The automatic transmission shifts a transmission speed ratio from an initial speed ratio to a subsequent speed ratio when the second clutch is in the engaged position.