Atlanta Braves Relief Pitcher Luis Ayala to DL

The Atlanta Braves have been plagued with a variety of injuries this year — ranging from nagging day-to-day injuries, to more long term situations like that of Jonny Venters — and can now add Luis Ayala and an anxiety disorder to that list.

Ayala has been primarily a long relief pitcher out of the bullpen this year for the Braves.  Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

According to MLB’s Mark Bowman, Ayala has been suffering from high blood pressure lately that has led to the anxiety, as well as two trips to the emergency room. He is being put on medication to try and resolve the problem.

David Carpenter, a right-handed relief pitcher, has been recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett to fill the void until Ayala returns. Here is what the two have done for the Braves organization so far this year, per Bowman:

"Ayala has compiled a 3.86 ERA in the five appearances he has made for the Braves since being acquired in a trade with the Orioles on April 9. He allowed two hits and one run while recording just one out in the one appearance he made in Denver last week.Carpenter has compiled a 3.52 ERA in six appearances with Gwinnett this year. The 27-year-old converted catcher has been utilized in multi-inning appearances to provide him a chance to get a better feel for his offspeed pitches."

Fortunately, the Braves bullpen is still an area of strength for the team and the bullpen is in the capable hands of studs like Craig Kimbrel, Jordan Walden, and Eric O’Flaherty.