Gwinnett Daily Post

Despite struggles in his two most recent starts, reliever Cristhian Martinez is getting a big-league opportunity.

Claimed on waivers early in the season the right-hander was called up to the Atlanta Braves on Saturday and replaces prospect Craig Kimbrel.

Kimbrel, the Braves potential future closer, returns to Gwinnett after four appearances with the big-league club in the past 17 days. He went 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA over the 31⁄3 innings pitched. He struck out five and allowed two hits and one run.

As a closer with the G-Braves, Kimbrel has a 1.20 ERA in 11 appearances with six saves.

Martinez struggled in his first few outings with the G-Braves before rattling off 101⁄3 one-hit innings, including a scoreless four-inning performance at Pawtucket on May 11. His two most recent starts were not as clean, with Martinez allowing five runs in five innings. He is 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA since joining Gwinnett.

Struggles aside, Martinez gives the Braves a reliever with the potential to pitch multiple innings and the return for Kimbrel will allow him to throw on a more regular basis.

The G-Braves also placed starting pitcher James Parr (2-5, 5.16 ERA) on the seven-day disabled list with a sore elbow and activated reliever Vladimir Nunez who was on the DL with a toe injury. Parr lasted just four innings his start Friday, allowing five runs off nine hits.

The G-Braves continue their road series with Indianapolis today at 2 p.m. and return home May 31 against the same Indians.