In kind of a shocking move the Atlanta Braves have designated Bob Wickman for assignment. Wickman pitched in 49 games for the Braves this season and he was 3-3 with 20 saves, a 3.92 ERA and a 1.56 WHIP. In 43.2 innings this season Wickman allowed 48 hits, walked 20 batters and whiffed 35. Look for Rafael Soriano and Peter Moylan to hold the fort late in games until Octavio Dotel gets healthy.

Edgar Renteria re-injured his ankle in his first game back and was placed right back on the 15-day disabled list. Renteria is having a fine season for the Braves as he has played in 106 games this year for the Braves and he is 142 for 423 (.336 avg, .879 OPS) with 74 runs scored, 11 homers, 53 RBIs and 11 stolen bases. Rookie Yunel Escobar will probably get the bulk of the playing time until Renteria is ready to return. Escobar has played in 65 games this season for the Braves and he is 70 for 219 (.320 avg, .768 OPS) with 31 runs scored, 2 homers and 23 RBIs.

Mark Teixeira is hitting the ball so well since he got into Atlanta that the ball must be looking like a beach ball to him. In 20 games with the Braves this season he is 22 for 76 (.289 avg, 1.100 OPS) with 16 runs scored, 9 homers and 26 RBIs. The Braves need more help from their pitchers if they want to make the playoffs because you can’t blame the offense for losing games. Teixeira has made the whole lineup better in Atlanta since he got to town. He has now played in 98 games this season with the Rangers & Braves and he is 107 for 362 (.296 avg) with 64 runs scored, 22 homers and 75 RBIs.

The Braves gave Sturtze a chance to rehab in the minors but they have decided to let him go. He is 36-years old so he could be nearing the end. He pitched in 12 games in the minors this season and he was 0-6 with a 9.53 ERA and a 2.56 WHIP. In 11.1 innings he allowed 17 hits, walked 12 batters and whiffed 7.

The Braves have placed lefty starter Chuck James on the 15-day disabled list with tightness in the back of his left shoulder. This will hurt the Braves as James has been their third best starting pitcher this season. In 25 starts this season James is 9-9 with a 4.22 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP. In 136.1 innings this season James has allowed 140 hits, walked 55 batters and whiffed 97. Jo Jo Reyes will replace James in the rotation and he has not pitched too well for the Braves this season. In 6 starts Reyes is 0-1 with a 9.62 ERA and a 2.05 WHIP this season for the Braves. In 24.1 innings Reyes has allowed 31 hits, 7 homers, walked 19 batters and whiffed only 8.