The Braves designated veteran catcher Chris Stewart for assignment Wednesday and purchased the contract of reliever Luke Jackson from Triple-A Gwinnett.
The move was made so the Braves could have a fresh arm in the bullpen for Wednesday’s series finale against the Nationals, after Anibal Sanchez pitched three innings Monday and Shane Carle pitched 3 1/3 innings in Tuesday’s 13-6 win against the Nationals following starter Julio Teheran’s third-inning exit.
Stewart began the season as an extra, third catcher on the Braves’ 25-man roster but started three consecutive games after injuries to both primary catchers, Tyler Flowers (strained oblique) and Kurt Suzuki (bruised hand). Flowers is on the 10-day disabled list, but Suzuki is expected to return to the lineup Friday at Colorado after the Braves’ day off Thursday.
The Braves traded for veteran catcher Carlos Perez on Sunday after the Suzuki injury, and Perez made his first start Wednesday in a series finale against the Nationals. He could serve as Suzuki’s backup until Flowers returns from the DL, and the Braves could have Stewart available at Triple-A if he clears waivers and accepts a minor league assignment.
