Chris Withrow finally is healthy and back in the major leagues.
The Braves recalled the right-hander from Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday and added him to the bullpen. Withrow last pitched in the big leagues in May 2014, and missed all of last season recovering from elbow and back surgeries.
“When you go through surgery you don’t know how you are going to bounce back,” Withrow said. “That’s just one of the small steps I want to take because I want to stay. But is a relief to be here. It’s overcoming some obstacles that were thrown my way, surgeries and setbacks along the way, so to get back here feels nice.”
Withrow, 27, posted a 2.73 ERA in 46 relief appearances for the Dodgers over parts of the 2013 and 2014 seasons. The Braves acquired Withrow as part of a trade with the Dodgers last May.
Withrow was a surprise early cut from the big-league camp during spring training because he was projected to be part of the Braves’ bullpen on opening day. Withrow was upset with the decision at the time but said he later realized the Braves wanted to see him make more appearances so they could be confident he can stay healthy.
To make room on the roster for Withrow, the Braves optioned rookie right-hander John Gant to Gwinnett. In three innings pitched out of the bullpen Gant posted a 12.00 ERA with six hits allowed, including two home runs.
