Chuck James was optioned to Class AAA Richmond after he pitched five innings, allowing four runs, to take a win in Thursday's night 7-4 victory over Florida. James was making his second start in place of Tom Glavine, who is on the disabled list with a hamstring injury. But Glavine will be ready to come off the disabled list to start Tuesday in Washington, and the Braves want a fresh arm for the bullpen over the weekend. A corresponding move will be announced Friday.

Extended spring training

Reliever Mike Gonzalez threw his first game in extended spring training Thursday night, striking out two in a perfect inning on only 13 pitches. Gonzalez had thrown four innings in a simulated game Tuesday, recording six outs in only 23 pitches. Gonzalez will pitch again Saturday. The Braves are hoping to have Gonzalez back from elbow-reconstruction surgery before the end of May — and perhaps by mid-May.

Also, infielder Omar Infante played four innings Thursday, all at shortstop, and went 0-for-3.