Braves Place Jonny Venters on DL; Recall Luis Avilan

The Atlanta Braves have placed left-handed reliever Jonny Venters on the 15-day disabled list with a left elbow impingement, reports David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

#Braves Venters on DL with "elbow impingement" that was not mentioned at any point in last month, last night, ever. Avilan up from minors.

— David O'Brien (@ajcbraves) July 5, 2012

In a corresponding roster move, the Braves have recalled left-hander Luis Avilan from Triple-A.

Venters appeared for the Braves yesterday in their contest against the Chicago Cubs. He allowed a pinch-hit home run to Jeff Baker over his 2/3 of an inning.

On the season, Venters has maintained an ERA and WHIP of 4.45 and 1.794 with 12.0 SO/9 and 4.7 BB/9 over his 32 1/3 innings pitched. This is a far cry from his impressive 2011 performance that earned the 27-year-old a trip to the All-Star game. Over his 88 IP last season, Venter’s posted an ERA and WHIP of 1.84 and 1.091.

Prior to his call-up, Avilan was pitching for the Braves Double-A affiliate. Over his 16 appearances, including 12 starts, Avilan posted an ERA and WHIP of 3.23 and 1.321.

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Do you think Venters' injury will send the Braves in search of bullpen relief?

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