The Braves recalled left-hander Ray Kerr to start Friday night’s game at the Pirates, the team announced Friday.
In addition, right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver was placed on the 15-day IL with a strained left oblique. Smith-Shawver started Thursday’s game at the Cubs.
Braves manager Brian Snitker on Friday said Smith-Shawver reported pitching through a left oblique ailment following Thursday’s start.
“You’re not going to keep a guy going like that, so they had him checked out today to see what the extent is,” Snitker said.
He continued pitching and held his velocity, so it had to be pretty minor, correct?
“That’s what we hope,” Snitker said. “If he pulled one of those things, you wouldn’t think he would’ve been able to go on like that. I’m glad he said something.”
The Braves on Monday optioned Kerr to Triple A to bring in a fresh arm for the Cubs series. Pitchers who are sent down must remain in the minors for at least 15 days, but in this case, the Braves could call Kerr back up because that rule doesn’t apply when you’re replacing an injured player.
The Braves also signed infielder Joey Wendle, who began the season with the Mets, to a major league contract and optioned Luke Williams to Triple-A Gwinnett.
Kerr appeared in four games for the Braves out of the bullpen this season. He is 1-0 with a 2.89 ERA in 9-1/3 innings. He has struck out 10.
Smith-Shawver made his season debut Thursday. He pitched 4-1/3 innings and allowed no runs and three hits. He struck out four and walked two.
