The Braves recalled right-hander Casey Kelly from Triple-A Gwinnett on Wednesday and sent down right-hander Williams Perez.
Kelly is expected to be available in long relief. Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said right-hander Ryan Weber probably won’t be available until Saturday after he pitched 3 1/3 innings Tuesday in relief of Perez.
Kelly made six starts for the Padres in 2012 and posted a 6.21 ERA. He underwent Tommy John surgery in March 2013, made four minor-league appearances in 2014 and had a 7.04 ERA in three games (two starts) with the Padres in 2015.
Kelly has a 3.00 ERA in two starts (12 innings) for Gwinnett this season.
“This year I feel strong, the best I’ve felt since before surgery,” Kelly said.
The Braves acquired Kelly and minor-league catcher Ricardo Rodriguez from the Padres in December in exchange for catcher Christian Bethancourt.
Perez has made three starts for the Braves this season, including an emergency outing against the Dodgers after Julio Teheran was a late scratch. Pitching on three days’ rest, Perez limited the Dodgers to no runs, two hits and three walks over 3 1/3 innings.
Gonzalez didn't commit to a starter to take Perez's scheduled turn in the rotation on Sunday. He said the candidates include Weber and minor leaguers Mike Foltynewicz and Aaron Blair.
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