Ryan Buchter recalled to Atlanta Braves in place of Gavin Floyd

By now, it is public knowledge that the Atlanta Braves have likely lost right-hander Gavin Floyd for the season, but on Friday afternoon, the team announced who would take his active roster spot in the immediate future. Floyd has been placed on the disabled list with his fractured elbow, and the Braves have recalled left-handed reliever Ryan Buchter.

Before anyone makes a sweeping generalization about Buchter being called up ahead of Alex Wood, there is some context at play here. Mark Bowman reports that, because of an off day on Monday, Atlanta will not be in need of a fifth starter until June 28th against the Phillies, and as a result, the Braves will utilize Buchter as an extra left-handed reliever until Wood arrives to join the rotation.

The 27-year-old Buchter has not appeared in a Major League game, but with the well-chronicled issues of Luis Avilan, it will be nice to add another left-handed option. Buchter has battled control issues throughout his minor league career and has walked 5.30 batters per 9 innings season, but he has flashed an impressive arsenal, and hopefully some tutelage from Roger McDowell will be beneficial.

Don’t worry, Braves fans. Alex Wood is on the way.