Miami — Braves closer Rafael Soriano was activated from the disabled list, as expected, before Monday's series opener against the Marlins.

The only remaining question — other than, can Soriano can stay healthy? — was who would be moved to open a spot for Soriano.

Journeyman Vladimir Nunez was the odd man out, just in time to prevent Nunez from pitching in his adopted home of Miami against one of his former teams, the Marlins.

The Cuban right-hander was designated for assignment and has 72 hours to clear waivers before the Braves could send him to Class AAA Richmond. Nunez, 33, had not pitched in the majors since 2004 before making three appearances for the Braves and allowing two runs and five hits in 4-2/3 innings.

The Braves had big expectations for Soriano coming into the season, but he's spent all but about two weeks of the season on the DL with recurring soreness in his pitching elbow. It's been perplexing because nothing more than inflammation has appeared on MRI exams and other tests.

Soriano had a 2.00 ERA and .129 opponents' average in nine appearances before Monday, with three saves in four opportunities. The right-hander had 11 strikeouts with seven walks in nine innings.

He hasn't pitched in a game since June 5, when he pitched three times in four days against the Marlins before returning to the DL for his second stint this season.

Later he was permitted to return to the Dominican Republic for personal reasons and continue his rehab there with the Braves' summer-league team. Soriano threw what he said was a pain-free bullpen session Saturday in Atlanta and was cleared to pitch by a team doctor.

"I want to see him get out there [in a game] and see what happens," manager Bobby Cox said.