Injury News: Atlanta Braves Brandon Beachy Hits the 15-Day DL

The Atlanta Braves have never been short on pitching.  They have had some of the greatest pitchers in history run

through their system.  Brandon Beachy may be on his way to adding his name to the list of Braves greats, but for now he’s going to have to wait it out on the disabled list.

According to an Associated Press report relayed by numerous outlets including Sports Illustrated, the Braves have placed Brandon Beachy on the disabled list with elbow soreness.  Jair Jurrjens will return to the rotation in Beachy vacated slot.

Beachy first started experiencing right elbow soreness after his last start.  He was scheduled to pitch on Wednesday, but the Braves pushed his start to yesterday so the young righty could rest his elbow.  He threw a bullpen session on Tuesday and said he felt fine.  However, he had to leave his start yesterday in the fourth inning because of soreness.

Beachy is 5-5 this year with an even 2.00 ERA this year.  He has struck out 68 batters and walked just 29.  Beachy was emerging as an ace for the Braves after going 7-3 with a 3.68 ERA last season.

Jair Jurrjens was phenomenal last season, posting a 2.96 ERA in 152 innings-pitched.  However, this season he struggled.  Jurrjens was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett late in April after going 0-2 with a 9.37 ERA.  Jurrjens will be given a few starts to prove he deserves to remain with the big league ball club.

The Braves are 35-30 and trail the Washington Nationals by four games in the National League East.  Beachy will be key if the Braves look to make another run to the postseason with better results this year than last.  Beachy has had a history of bone spurs in his right elbow and hopes that’s all this issue is.  If it is anymore, he could find himself undergoing season-ending elbow surgery.

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