Bisenius, Nunez Added, Janish Recalled
LAWRENCEVILLE, GA - The Gwinnett Braves, in conjunction with the Atlanta Braves, have announced three transactions affecting the Gwinnett roster on Friday, June 21. Pitcher Joe Bisenius, signed by the Braves out of the independent American Association, has been assigned to Gwinnett and will start for the G-Braves tonight against Syracuse. Infielder Luis Nunez has also joined the club from Double-A Mississippi, replacing shortstop Paul Janish, who was recalled by Atlanta.
Bisenius, 30, went 3-2 with a 3.89 ERA in six starts for the Lincoln Saltdogs, striking out a league-high 43 batters in 37.0 innings. Last season, the right-hander split the year between Aguascalientes and Saltillo of the Mexican League, going a combined 9-10 with a 4.92 ERA in 22 starts.
The Sioux City, IA native was originally drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 12th round of the 2004 First Year Player Draft out of Oklahoma City University. Entering 2013, he has a career 30-21 minor league record with a 3.87 ERA. His 10-year career has included five previous stops in the International League, including 2007 with the Ottawa Lynx, 2008 and 2009 with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, 2010 with the Syracuse Chiefs and 2011 with the Charlotte Knights.
Bisenius has also made seven Major League appearances in his career, posting a 0-0 record with a 6.75 ERA (5 ER in 6.2 IP) in stints with the Phillies (2007) and the Washington Nationals (2010).
Nunez, 26, arrives from Double-A Mississippi for the second time this season. He hit .227 with a home run and three RBI in 10 games with the G-Braves earlier this year, April 25 to May 15.
Janish, 30, hit .207 (28-for-135) with five doubles and 12 RBI in 41 games for the G-Braves this season. He returns to Atlanta for the first time since 2012, when he hit .186 (31-for-167) in 55 games prior to suffering a season-ending dislocated shoulder injury on September 18. Janish takes the roster spot of infielder Ramiro Pena, who was placed on Atlanta's disabled list today with a right shoulder strain.
The Gwinnett Braves (31-44) begin a four-game series with the Syracuse Chiefs (28-43) with a 7:05 PM game tonight at Coolray Field. Bisenius is set to start for the G-Braves, while the Chiefs will counter with right-hander Yunesky Maya (2-4, 4.81). Listen to the game on WDUN 550 AM and 102.9 FM with Tony Schiavone calling the play-by-play.
Friday night is "80's Night" at Coolray Field, sponsored by Gwinnett Medical Center. The G-Braves will wear special throwback powder blue jerseys that will be auctioned off during the game, with proceeds benefiting the Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation. For tickets, call the Coolray Field Box Office at (678) 277-0340 or visit gwinnettbraves.com.