Braves News World

It was one and done for Eddie Perez Tuesday night. After being activated from the 15-day disabled list for Tuesday night’s game, Eddie Perez returned to the DL today with continued weakness in his shoulder. In the Braves’ continuing quest to sport the youngest roster ever, left-handed-hitting catcher Brian McCann was called up from Double-A Mississippi where the 21-year-old was hitting .265 with 6 home runs and 26 RBIs this season. Brayan Pena will likely start at catcher most games until Johnny Estrada’s bell stops ringing after his violent collision with Darin Erstad Monday night. Estrada is expected to recover from his concussion and return to the lineup early next week. Anyone know the record for most roster moves in a season?

To err is Kolb, to forgive Devine? Well, I don’t see Braves die-hards forgiving Dan Kolb for his missteps anytime soon but new Braves draftee Joey Devine may soon help them forget about their bullpen turmoil!

The Braves drafted the 21-year-old closer with the 27th overall selection in the 2005 MLB baseball draft on Tuesday. This marked the first time the Braves had chosen a college player with their first pick since 1991 (when they chose outfielder Mike Kelly out of Arizona State). The three-time all-ACC choice asserts that he is ready to sign on the dotted line! Braves scouts are already openly speculating he may spell relief (in more ways than one!) for the major league club later this season. His stuff is that good!

As a junior at North Carolina State last year Devine had a 5-3 record and saved 12 saves while compiling a 2.03 ERA. He racked up 72 strikeouts and walked only 10 batters in 48 2/3 innings. This move is a definitely a departure from the Braves’ historical strategy of drafting high school pitchers. Is it a stroke of genius or a sign of desperation? Only time will tell…

This is really getting ridiculous. Johnny Estrada will be sidelined for at least 4 games after being levelled by Darin Erstad. He doesn’t remember anything after catching the throw which could be indicative of a concussion. Brayan Pena will start in his place in the meantime.

Eddie Perez has been activated from the 15-day disabled list to back up Pena though Perez’s shoulder is still bothering him. Seth Greisinger was designated for assignment in order to clear room on the roster for Perez. The Braves are hoping no team is interested in him and that he clears waivers. If he does, the Braves will still need to wait 10 days before recalling him. That means he cannot be added to the 25-man roster again until June 19th. The Braves will therefore have to call up another minor league pitcher to start on June 14th (unless they start one of their pitchers on 3 days rest yet again). What a mess! I actually remember thinking how lucky the Braves were to have so few people on the disabled list at the end of April. Things sure went to hell in a handbasket in a hurry!!