Pastornicky, Rasmus Recalled by Atlanta
LAWRENCEVILLE, GA - The Gwinnett Braves, in conjunction with the Atlanta Braves, have announced three moves affecting the Gwinnett 25-man roster on Tuesday, June 18. Infielder Tyler Pastornicky and right-hander Cory Rasmus have both been recalled by Atlanta from Gwinnett, while right-hander Cody Martin has been promoted to Gwinnett from Double-A Mississippi. Martin will make his Triple-A debut with the G-Braves as tonight's starting pitcher at Buffalo.
Pastornicky, 23, was recalled by Atlanta to replace catcher Evan Gattis, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list following Monday night's game against the New York Mets. It is Pastornicky's second call-up to Atlanta this year; the second baseman hit .143 (1-for-7) with a double in six games with the Braves from April 23 to May 3. In 57 games with Gwinnett this year, he's hitting .309 (72-for-233) with four home runs and 25 RBI. His .309 batting average is 13th in the International League.
Rasmus, 25, has been recalled from Gwinnett by Atlanta for the second time this year. The Braves' supplemental first round pick in 2006, Rasmus is 0-0 with a 12.27 ERA (5 ER in 3.2 IP) in two Major League relief outings this season. With Gwinnett, the Columbus, GA native is 2-1 with a bullpen-best 1.44 ERA (4 ER in 25.0 IP) and seven saves in 25 appearances.
Martin, 23, was selected by the Braves in the seventh round of the 2011 June draft out of Gonzaga University. In 16 games, 11 starts with Mississippi this season, he went 3-3 with a 2.82 ERA (21 ER in 67.0 IP), walked 27 and struck out 71. Martin gave up just three home runs and held Southern League opponents to a .250 average.
A native of Dos Palos, CA, Martin is a career 16-10 with a 2.60 ERA (60 ER in 207.2 IP) in 60 games, 30 starts in the Braves' minor league system. He split his 2011 debut season between Rookie-A Danville and Class-A Rome, going 1-0 with a 1.08 ERA (4 ER in 33.1 IP) and nine saves in 22 relief appearances. Last season, he transitioned into a starting role with Advanced-A Lynchburg, going 12-7 with a 2.93 ERA (35 ER in 107.1 IP) in 22 games, 19 starts. Heading into this season, Martin was ranked the No. 13 prospect in the Braves' organization by Baseball America.
The Gwinnett Braves (28-44) play game two of a four-game series against the Buffalo Bisons (36-33) tonight at Coca-Cola Park in Buffalo, NY. Martin will get the start for the G-Braves, while the Bisons counter with right-hander Dave Bush (7-4, 4.23). Listen to the game on WDUN 550 AM and 102.9 FM with Tony Schiavone calling the play-by-play. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM.
The G-Braves' next home game is on Friday, June 21 at 7:05 PM against the Syracuse Chiefs. Tickets are on sale now by calling the Coolray Field Box Office at (678) 277-0340 or by visiting gwinnettbraves.com.