Pitchers Jorge Campillo, Buddy Carlyle and Vladimir Nunez were removed from the Braves' 40-man roster and opted for free agency last week, though that doesn't necessarily mean the team has cut ties with the right-handers. The club could offer any of them contracts later, probably minor-league deals since major-league roster spots are needed to protect younger players during the offseason.

"We will make decisions on them sometime in the future," general manager Frank Wren said.

Campillo was 8-7 with a 3.91 ERA in 39 games (25 starts) as a 29-year-old rookie in 2008, but made just five relief appearances in 2009 before having rotator cuff surgery. He hopes to be recovered in time for spring training.

Carlyle missed much of the 2009 season after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes while on the disabled list for a back strain. He had an 8.86 ERA in 16 relief appearances, after posting a 3.59 ERA in 45 appearances in 2008.

Nunez, 34, had a 2.16 ERA in 45 appearances at Class AAA Gwinnett, with 79 strikeouts in 83 1/3 innings.

DAVID O'BRIEN

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