NEW YORK — Braves rookie reliever Cory Rasmus remembers the time he, older brother Colby and younger brother Cyle all hit home runs in the same game for Russell County High School in Seale, Ala.
That’s just one of the memories that might get tossed around when the two eldest Rasmus brothers get together this week, first in Canada and then in Atlanta.
Colby plays center field for the Blue Jays, who play the Braves in a pair of two-game series, the first one Monday and Tuesday in Toronto. The timing couldn’t have been much better for the Rasmus boys.
Cory, 25, was called up from Triple-A on May 18 for his first stint in the major leagues, and now he and his brother could face each other in interleague play.
“That’d be awesome,” Cory said of possibly pitching against his brother, who’s 15 months older. “We always joke around about how if I did, what would I do? He says the same thing, what would he do? That’d be crazy.”
The Rasmus family hails from Phenix City, Ala., also the hometown of Braves pitcher Tim Hudson. Cyle, who’s 15 months younger than Cory, played college ball and had some professional offers, but is focusing instead on a coaching career.
Another younger brother, Casey, is playing Class-A ball in the St. Louis Cardinals organization.
Cory made his major league debut last week and gave up two hits (solo homers), two runs and one walk with three strikeouts in 1-2/3 innings. So if he faces his brother, at least it won’t be with the added nervousness of a debut.
Tony Rasmus, their father, is making the trip to Toronto to see his sons play on opposing teams for the first time at any level.
“It’s very exciting,” Cory said. “Me and Colby always talked about if I were ever to get a chance to get to the big leagues, if I would get to face him or whatever. This is our first time ever being on opposite sides, so that’ll be pretty exciting. It’ll be fun.”
As of Sunday afternoon, Cory wasn’t sure if he’d stay at his brother’s place for a night in Toronto.
“We’re definitely all going to go grab a bite or something, and I’ll see what he wants to do,” he said. “We’re definitely going to hang out while I’m up there. I’ve been in (professional baseball) since 2006 and he’s been in it since 2005, and we haven’t gotten to see each other throughout the season hardly at all. So might as well, while we’re in the same area for the next four days, try to do something.”
Etc. Braves reliever Jordan Walden (shoulder) is expected to begin a brief rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday at Syracuse. Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said Walden would likely pitch in one or two rehab games before he's activated from the disabled list…. Gonzalez plans to start catchers Evan Gattis and Brian McCann in both games at Toronto, with McCann likely to catch Monday and serve as designated hitter Tuesday, and Gattis DHing Monday and catching Tuesday.
