Atlanta Braves option Luis Avilan, call up Chasen Shreve

The Atlanta Braves have made their second big roster move in as many days. After releasing the disappointing Dan Uggla yesterday, news came down today that the Braves have optioned lefty reliever Luis Avilan to AAA Gwinnett and have called up Chasen Shreve from Mississippi.

So far this year, Shreave has appeared in 36 games for the M-Braves, and boasts a 2.48 ERA with a 3-2 record in 54.1 innings pitched, with 76 strikeouts to just nine walks (10 if you include an intentional base on balls). Shreave is a native of Las Vegas, and was drafted in the 11th round of the 2010 amateur draft out of College of Southern Nevada (where, oddly enough, he was caught by Bryce Harper). Entering this season, he was listed as the #20 prospect in the Braves organization, and carries with him a wonderful change-up.

The struggles of Avilan are no secret (and, for those who follow me on twitter, know all too well how displeased I personally have been with him this year), but they also seemingly came out of nowhere. Last year, Avilan was stellar – going 5-0 in 75 appearances and 65 innings with a 1.52 ERA – but this year he has faltered tremendously, holding an ERA above 4.50 (4.85) in 47 appearances (29.2 innings).

The last time the Braves made a call up straight from AA was mister Shae Simmons, and he has seemed to work out well. Hopefully, the Braves offense can put up similar numbers like they did on Friday night more often than not, and give Shreave some large leads to work with before he’s thrown into a tight situation. It seems like the Braves front office finally had several days to think “man, we are lucky to be where we are in the standings right now,” and are now doing something about it to ensure they make it to October.

Two problems down, three to go. Now, who do they get for a bench bat?