The Braves optioned left-hander Alex Wood back to Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday, but not for long.
The impressive rookie was sent down only because the Braves needed to open a roster spot for outfielder Jose Constanza, after outfielders B.J. Upton and Justin Upton were hurt in Friday’s loss to the Reds. Constanza was recalled from Gwinnett.
The Braves already were without right fielder Jason Heyward for the weekend after he strained a hamstring Thursday. With the injuries to Heyward and the Uptons not considered serious, and time to heal during the All-Star break that starts Monday, the Braves hoped to avoid putting any of them on the 15-day disabled list
Since Wood wouldn’t have been available for games Saturday or Sunday after throwing 57 pitches in 3-2/3 scoreless innings Friday, the Braves optioned him. The former University of Georgia standout is expected to return to the majors on July 23, the first day eligible, or even sooner if the Braves end up putting another player on the DL.
Players must spend a minimum of 10 days in the minors after being sent down, but that restriction is waived if a player is recalled to replace a player subsequently placed on the DL. If one of the outfielders – or anyone else – is slow to heal during the break, the Braves could make a DL move after the break.
Wood, 22, has shown why he’s considered a big part of the Braves’ future and a leading candidate for a starting-rotation spot next season, or even this season if the need arises. A hard-throwing lefty with an unorthodox, knees-and-elbows-flying delivery, he has a 2.45 ERA in 16 games (one start) since a promotion from Double-A Mississippi.
His .213 opponents’ average includes .196 (9-for-46) by right-handed batters, which bodes well for his eventual return to starting. In two-strike counts, hitters are 6-for-49 (.122) against him with four walks and 26 strikeouts.
Wood was 4-2 with a 1.26 ERA in 10 starts at Mississippi this season, with 57 strikeouts and 15 walks in 57 innings.
He’s excelled lately in his relief role, allowing six hits, one run and one walk with eight strikeouts in nine innings over his past six appearances, including just one hit and one walk in 5-1/3 scoreless innings over his last three games.
Manager Fredi Gonzalez said the Braves wouldn’t be short-handed in the bullpen this weekend because lefty starter Paul Maholm would be available to pitch in relief Saturday or Sunday, if needed. Maholm’s last start was Wednesday.
