Gwinnett Daily Post

 

LAWRENCEVILLE – Having struggled mightily in his first Class AAA

experience, Gwinnett pitcher Jacob Thompson retired on Sunday less than 24 hours

after a lopsided loss to Toledo.

Thompson, 24, made seven starts for the G-Braves and was 1-4 with an

8.78 ERA. He allowed seven runs in 2 1/3 innings in the 13-1 loss to the Mud

Hens on Saturday night after not making in out of the first inning in his

previous start at Pawtucket.

The right-hander was a fifth-round draft choice of Atlanta in 2008

out of the University of Virginia and was once ranked among the Braves’ Top 30

prospects by Baseball America after going 8-10 with a 4.74 ERA last year for

Class AA Mississippi.

Infielder Daniel Nelson (left thumb sprain) came off the disabled

list on Sunday prior to the game against Toledo, but the G-Braves were still one

under the roster limit of 24 and two pitchers short.

Veteran reliever Scott Proctor had his contract purchased by Atlanta

on Sunday as anticipated when the Braves placed Brandon Beachy on their disabled

list with an oblique strain.

Proctor had a 1.08 ERA in 14 appearances this season with Gwinnett

while limiting opponents to a .164 average. The right-hander was 1-0 with three

saves in four opportunities. He was released near the end of spring training,

but then re-signed to a minor league contract.

The Braves still need a starter for Wednesday in Arizona and are

expected to recall Julio Teheran from Gwinnett to make a second spot start. The

right-hander is 3-0 with a 1.91 ERA for the G-Braves and also made a start in

Philadelphia for the Braves.

With two upcoming off days, Atlanta may only need a fifth starter

the one time before Beachy comes off the DL. The Braves don’t play on May 23 or

May 26. They don’t need a No. 5 starter until May 31.