To open a roster spot for Tuesday night’s starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez, the Braves optioned right-hander Lucas Sims to Triple-A Gwinnett.
Sims gave up one hit and two walks with three strikeouts in 2-1/3 innings of Monday night’s 8-5 loss to the Mets in the second game of a doubleheader.
The former first-round draft pick from Brookwood High School has a 6.75 ERA in five relief appearance for the Braves this season and a 2-2 record and sparkling 1.50 ERA in five starts for Gwinnett.
Sims has been on the proverbial shuttle between Triple-A and the majors all season and that’s likely to continue as the Braves shuffle their bullpen by bringing up a fresh arm to replace one who would otherwise be unavailable for a few days.
This is easily done with players not out of options, such as Sims and Matt Wisler, who can be sent back and forth as many times as the Braves want to send them throughout the season without ever exposing them to waivers.
Such moves can’t be made with a player who’s out of minor league options and must clear waivers before being sent to the minors.
The Braves also returned rookie lefty Max Fried to Triple-A on Tuesday after using him as the additional 26th man permitted for doubleheaders. Fried started the first game of Monday’s doubleheader with the Mets and got the win, allowing four hits, two runs (one earned) and four walks with six strikeouts in five innings.
Fried, who had four earlier relief appearances for the Braves, is another pitcher likely to make multiple trips between Triple-A and the majors this season.
Credit: ccompton@ajc.com
Credit: ccompton@ajc.com
