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MLB

Atlanta Braves Purchase Tommy La Stella

Braves option infielder Tyler Pastornicky to Triple-A Gwinnett
By Dave Lezotte
May 28, 2014

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA - The Atlanta Braves announced today the purchase of second baseman Tommy La Stella from Triple-A Gwinnett. La Stella has been added to the 25-man Major League roster for the first time in his career. Additionally on Wednesday, the Braves optioned infielder Tyler Pastornicky to Gwinnett.

La Stella, 25, batted .293 (49-for-167) with six doubles, one triple, one home run, 18 runs scored and 23 RBIs in 47 games with the Gwinnett Braves this season, his Triple-A debut. As of May 28, he ranked among International League leaders in lowest total plate appearances per strikeout ratio (2nd, 14.21), walks (T-8th, 25) and on-base percentage (10th, .384). His batting average qualified for 16th in the league.

Selected by the Braves in the eighth round of the 2011 June free agent draft out of Coastal Carolina University (Conway, SC), La Stella combined to bat .322 (326-for-1,013) over four minor league seasons. He was named Double-A Mississippi's Player of the Year by Atlanta in 2013 after batting .343 (97-for-283) with 21 doubles, two triples, four home runs and 41 RBIs in 81 games.

La Stella is the first player to be purchased by Atlanta from Gwinnett this season. When he debuts for the Braves, he'll be the 35th player in Gwinnett history to make his Major League debut after playing for the G-Braves.

Pastornicky, 24, hit .200 (7-for-35) with a triple, three runs scored and two RBIs in 22 games with Atlanta this season. He returns to Gwinnett where he's batted .299 (163-for-545) in 139 games over the past three seasons. In 74 games with the club last year, Pastornicky hit .292 (84-for-288) with 13 doubles, two triples, four home runs and 28 RBIs.

The Gwinnett Braves play game three of a four-game series against the Pawtucket Red Sox on Wednesday night at McCoy Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM. Right-hander Yunesky Maya (1-0, 3.68) is slated to start for the G-Braves, while the Red Sox will counter with left-hander Chris Hernandez (1-5, 4.26). Tony Schiavone will have the play-by-play call beginning at 6:50 PM on wdun.com, GwinnettBraves.com, Tune-In Radio and the MiLB First Pitch app.

The G-Braves' next home game at Coolray Field is Tuesday, June 3 at 6:35 PM vs. Columbus. For tickets, call the Coolray Field Ticket Office at 678-277-0340 or visit GwinnettBraves.com.