The Braves have signed 37-year old lefty reliever/starter John Halama to a minor league deal. Halama last pitched in the majors in 2006 with the Orioles. Halama has pitched in 262 games (119 starts) in his major league career and he is 56-48 with a 4.65 ERA and a 1.45 WHIP. This was a good low risk signing for the Braves as you can never have enough lefty pitchers.

The Braves have signed 27-year old righty reliever Jon Huber. Huber did not pitch in the majors last season. He has pitched in 25 games (0 starts) in his major league career to date and he is 2-1 with a 2.57 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP. Huber was a nice low risk addition to the Braves’ organization.

The Atlanta Braves have placed starting 1B Casey Kotchman on the 15-day disabled list with a bruised shin. Kotchman has played in 50 games for the Braves this year and he is 48 for 173 (.277 avg, .745 OPS) with 15 runs scored, 2 homers and 24 RBIs. Kotchman will be replaced in the starting lineup by Martin Prado. Prado has played in 38 games this season and he is 27 for 99 (.273 avg, .757 OPS) with 10 runs scored, 2 homers and 7 RBIs. The Braves will miss Kotchman’s defense while he is out of action.

The Braves have sent OF Jordan Schafer to AAA. Schafer played in 50 games for the Braves this season and he was 34 for 167 (.204 avg, .600 OPS) with 18 runs scored, 2 homers, 8 RBIs and 2 stolen bases. Schafer whiffed 63 times with the Braves this season and they got sick of seeing it. Look for Schafer to be back in Atlanta at some point this season if he looks like he can make more contact.

The Braves are going to recall their #1 prospect this weekend to join the starting rotation. 22-year old righty Tommy Hanson might take the National League by storm. He has pitched in 11 games (all starts) in AAA-ball this season and he is 3-3 with a 1.49 ERA and a 0.86 WHIP. Hanson has only allowed 40 hits while whiffing an amazing 90 batters in only 66 1/3 innings this season! The trade for McLouth combined with the calling up of Hanson means the Braves are willing to do what it takes to contend for the National League East this season.