Braves option reliever Sobotka to Gwinnett

Chad Nicholas Sobotka was born July 10, 1993 in Sarasota, Fla. The Braves drafted Sobotka in the fourth round of the 2014 draft. Sobotka played college ball at South Carolina-Upstate. Sobotka made his major league debut Aug. 10, 2018 at SunTrust Park vs. Milwaukee. Sobotka pitched at Single-A, Double-A, Triple-A and the majors in 2018.

The Braves reinstated relief pitcher Chad Sobotka from the injured list Saturday and optioned him to Triple-A Gwinnett. He had been on the IL since April 29 with a left abdominal strain.

Sobotka, 25, was an effective member of the Braves bullpen late last season, looking like a potential future closer when he compiled a 1.88 ERA over 14 appearances. But the 6-foot-7 right-hander struggled considerably early this season, posting an 8.25 ERA over 13 appearances and allowing 13 hits and nine walks in 12 innings.

Sobotka made one rehabilitation appearance for Gwinnett on Thursday, pitching a scoreless inning while allowing one hit, walking none and striking out two.