Winter Haven, Fla. — The Braves wouldn't have traded Edgar Renteria to Detroit without getting what they believed to be a top young starting pitcher in return.

Jair Jurrjens demonstrated Wednesday why they think he fits that bill.

The 22-year-old rookie pitched three perfect innings in a 4-1 win against Cleveland in his second Grapefruit League start, serving notice he'll be tough to beat for the final rotation spot.

"I was working just to get ahead of every hitter, trying to throw strike one and pitch for contact," said Jurrjens, who threw 18 strikes in 25 pitches. "I tried to throw the least [amount of] pitches that I can.

"Now it's only three innings, but during the season it's going to be a lot more, and I want to try to get deep into games and help the bullpen."

Smart kid, this Curacao native who speaks four languages.

"He's got a good idea what he's doing on the mound," Braves manager Bobby Cox said. "It's amazing, really, at his age and where he's from. They don't play a lot of baseball there."

Jurrjens gave up one run in two innings of his first start last week against Los Angeles, and conceded he was nervous trying to impress in his Braves debut.

He calmed down and got to work Wednesday, pitching like he did last season when he had a 3.20 ERA at Class AA Erie before being promoted to Detroit in August.

"He's got great pitches, with outstanding maturity on the mound — and control," Cox said, emphasizing that final word.

His slider had better bite than last week, and Jurrjens said he's getting back the feel on his changeup. He throws a 93-95 fastball and a quality sinker.

"Control of the fastball," Cox said. "It's all [former Braves ace Greg] Maddux preached."

Jurrjens went 3-1 in seven starts for Detroit, the only loss in his debut Aug. 15 at Cleveland when he allowed four runs and five hits in seven innings.

He earned his first big league win six days later when he faced the Indians again and allowed one hit (a homer) in 6-2/3 innings.

On Wednesday he faced a batting order lacking Grady Sizemore and Victor Martinez, but otherwise lined with starters including Travis Hafner, Casey Blake and Ryan Garko.

Jurrjens induced three groundouts and three popups, and only two fair balls were hit hard against him.

"I know these guys [Indians] a little bit, and I had a plan going in [Wednesday]," Jurrjens said, smiling.