After ranking 29th in the majors the last two seasons in innings thrown by their bullpen, the Braves' relievers are 10th this year, throwing 54 innings through 15 games. The added use has Atlanta dipping into the minors for reinforcements.
Friday, the Braves promoted right-handers John Cornely and Michael Kohn from Triple-A Gwinnett, while sending down righties Brandon Cunniff and Sugar Ray Marimon.
Cornely, has a 2.75 ERA with 297 strikeouts in 219 2/3 innings in the minors, including a 1.04 ERA with 12 K's in 8 1/3 innings this season for Gwinnett. He was a 15th-round pick by the Braves in 2011.
Kohn, who was signed in the offseason after his release by the Angels, carried a 4.32 ERA with 10 Ks in 8 1/3 innings at Triple-A. A year ago he had 26 Ks and a 3.04 ERA over 23 2/3 innings for Los Angeles.
Cunniff had established himself as a steady contributor in his first stint in the majors, but already appeared in a MLB-high 10 games. He had a 2.00 ERA with nine strikeouts and six walks in nine innings.
Marimon, promoted last week after Juan Jaime was designated for assignment, made six appearances. He had a 6.14 ERA with five strikeouts and four walks. The Braves' bullpen gave up seven runs in 10 2/3 innings during this week's sweep at the hands of the Mets and currently ranks 14th in MLB with a collective 3.33 ERA.
