The Braves on Tuesday recalled right-hander Brandon Cunniff from Triple-A Gwinnett and designated left-hander Donnie Veal for assignment.
Cunniff began the season with the Braves and made his big-league debut on April 7. He was effective in 15 relief appearances but was sent to Gwinnett because the Braves needed more available pitchers in the bullpen after he’d made three consecutive appearances from April 21-23.
By rule, the Braves couldn’t bring Cunniff back for at least 10 days after sending him down.
“We need some fresh arms,” Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. “You feel good that you’ve got a little experience with him and he did a nice job.”
In his first stint with the Braves, Cunniff was 1-0 with a 2.00 ERA in nine innings while allowing 0.78 walks and hits per inning pitched.
Veal had made three appearances for the Braves this season. He allowed three hits (including two home runs) and four runs in 3 1/3 innings.
Luis Avilan now is the only left-hander in the Braves’ bullpen. Gonzalez said right-handers Jim Johnson and Cody Martin are candidates to face lefty hitters.
