Ian Thomas Optioned to Gwinnett
LAWRENCEVILLE, GA - The Atlanta Braves announced Sunday that left-handed pitcher Ian Thomas has been optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett. Thomas is replaced on the Major League roster by right-hander Gavin Floyd, who has been activated off the disabled list following the completion of his minor league injury rehabilitation assignment.
Thomas, 27, made Atlanta's Opening Day roster out of Spring Training for the first time in his career this season. In 10 games during his Major League debut stint, he went 1-1 with a 4.26 ERA (3 ER in 6.1 IP). He earned his first Major League win on April 27 vs. Cincinnati, working a scoreless third of an inning in the Braves' 1-0 victory in 10 innings.
Undrafted out of Virginia Commonwealth University, Thomas pitched for independent clubs in Winnipeg (2009-11) and York (2012) before being signed by Atlanta as a minor league free agent on May 21, 2012. In two seasons in the Braves' minor league system, he combined to go 12-8 with a 2.88 ERA (48 ER in 150.0 IP) across 65 games, 13 starts. Thomas spent all of last season with Double-A Mississippi, going 7-8 with a 2.76 ERA (32 ER in 104.1 IP) in 39 games, 13 starts.
Thomas will make his Triple-A debut with the G-Braves. When he pitches, he'll be the 13th player in Gwinnett history to make his Triple-A debut with the club after having already made his Major League debut. Right-hander Gus Schlosser is set to become the 12th player to do so when he starts for Gwinnett this afternoon.
Floyd, 31, had been on Atlanta's disabled list since March 21 while recovering from 2013 "Tommy John" surgery on his right elbow. In six minor league rehab starts, he went 1-2 with a 4.12 ERA (11 ER in 24.0 IP). Five of those starts came with Gwinnett, where he went 1-1 with a 3.26 ERA (7 ER in 19.1 IP). Floyd earned a win in his final rehab start on April 29 at Toledo, logging 5.0 innings of four-hit, one-run baseball in Gwinnett's 9-2 victory.
The Gwinnett Braves and the Lehigh Valley IronPigs conclude a four-game series on Sunday afternoon at 2:05 PM. Schlosser (0-0, 0.00) is scheduled to make his Triple-A debut for the G-Braves, while the IronPigs will counter with left-hander Greg Smith (2-0, 1.82). Tony Schiavone will have the play-by-play call on wdun.com, GwinnettBraves.com, TuneIn Radio and the MiLB First Pitch app.
Today's 2:05 PM game is "Sunday Family FunDay" featuring Pre-Game Catch on the Field and the Post-Game Kids Base Run (kids 12 and under). It's also "Star Wars Day" at Coolray Field. Fans can pose for pictures with their favorite Star Wars characters and enjoy movie-themed entertainment and promotions all game long. Ten percent of each ticket sold for "Star Wars Day" will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Departure, a Journey cover band, will be performing for 30 minutes prior to the game and 60 minutes after the game on the Coolray Field concourse. Tickets are on sale now at the Coolray Field Ticket Office, call 678-277-0340 or visit GwinnettBraves.com for more information.