Major League Baseball

Braves recall Pastornicky from minors

Published Jul. 14, 2012 8:23 p.m. ET

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The Atlanta Braves recalled shortstop Tyler Pastornicky from Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday and sent catcher J.C. Boscan back to the minors.

Pastornicky began the season as Atlanta's starting shortstop, but poor fielding cost him the job when the Braves purchased the contract of Andrelton Simmons from Double-A Mississippi on May 31.

Simmons was placed on the 15-day disabled list this week with a broken right little finger. Jack Wilson started in his spot, but dislocated a joint in his right little finger and left in the fourth inning of Friday's 7-5 win over the New York Mets.

Martin Prado, who moved from left field to take Wilson's place, started at shortstop on Saturday for the first time since May 4, 2008.

Because the Braves kept Wilson on the active roster, manager Fredi Gonzalez began the game with 24 available players.

Catcher Brian McCann, who missed Friday's game for birth of his child, was back in the lineup.

Pastornicky hit .245 with one homer and 12 RBIs in 45 games with Atlanta. He made seven errors in 42 games. At Gwinnett, Pastornicky made five errors in 29 games at shortstop.

Gonzalez indicated that Pastornicky might not stay long in the majors. The Braves want to groom him into a utility man. Pastornicky has started nine games at second base for Gwinnett and made no errors. He also has been practicing in the outfield.

''We were forced to bring him up,'' Gonzalez said.

With Simmons likely to miss no less than four weeks, the Braves are making trade inquiries with other teams for some help at shortstop.

''Everybody's available'', Gonzalez said. ''For a price.''

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