Braves prospect Luiz Gohara gave up five hits and two earned runs in 3 1/3 innings is his first Triple-A start since being sent down to the Gwinnett Stripers Wednesday night in Lawrenceville.
Gohara (0-3) had seven strikeouts and a walk and threw 69 pitches.
The Braves decided Gohara was better off pitching more as a starter in Gwinnett rather than serving mop-up duty for the big-league team.
Gohara, 21, has made seven appearances for the Braves this season. But he didn't appear sharp since returning from the bereavement list June 3. He left the team for 11 days to visit his recovering mother in Brazil.
Gwinnett lost 5-3 to the Toledo Mud Hens Wednesday.
Another key Braves prospect, Kolby Allard (5-2, 2.28 ERA), pitches for the Stripers (31-38) Thursday.
