PHILADELPHIA – After filling a rotation spot for two starts, Matt Wisler was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett on Friday when the Braves needed room on the roster for reliever Chase Whitley.
Braves manager Brian Snitker said the Braves haven’t decided who’ll start Tuesday in what would have been the next turn for Wisler’s spot in the rotation. With an off day in the schedule Monday the Braves might opt to skip that spot in the rotation and start Sean Newcomb on regular rest in Tuesday’s series opener against the Mets.
Wisler had a 3.75 ERA in two starts, pitching exceptionally well in an April 19 win against the Mets (seven innings, two hits, one run, no walks, eight strikeouts) before giving up nine hits, four runs and three walks in five innings for no decision Wednesday at Cincinnati.
Whitley began the season on the disabled list recovering from a staph infection in his heel. The right-hander from Ranburne, Ala., had a 3.56 ERA in six minor league appearances including four games at Gwinnett, where Whitley allowed two hits and three walks with seven strikeouts in 7 1/3 innings over his final three appearances.
Whitley, 28, posted a 4.48 career ERA in 74 major league games (17 starts) over parts of the past four seasons with the Yankees and Rays.
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