Atlanta Braves make moves to bolster pitching staff

The Atlanta Braves recalled 26-year-old starting pitcher Darius Vines from Triple-A Gwinnett. In a corresponding move, they sent right-hander Jimmy Herget to Triple-A.

This is the first in a series of pitching-related moves that are expected to take place over the next day and a half.

The Braves don’t have a scheduled starter for Tuesday’s game at Milwaukee, so Vines is likely the one called upon.

He has made three appearances, including two starts, for the Braves so far this season – the most recent coming on May 24.

In 12 2/3 innings, Vines has allowed 11 earned runs on 17 hits and has issued four walks. In three starts in Triple-A in July, he has a 4.15 ERA. So he’ll get another chance to make an impact at the major league level.

It’s easy to panic given the situation of Reynaldo Lopez, who left Sunday’s game with forearm tightness. Lopez wouldn’t pitch today anyway. We still don’t have an update.

This move is aimed at filling Max Fried’s spot in the rotation. Fried is making progress Health-wise, he’ll be back soon. But even then, he won’t be back until Friday, so the Braves have to turn to someone else.

Herget returns to Triple-A after appearing in one game for the Braves following his activation from the injured list.

He pitched two innings and allowed two earned runs on one hit Sunday. Those were the only two runs allowed in the game; a two-run hit by Mets first baseman Pete Alonso to end the shutout in the top of the eighth inning.

Herget has played primarily in Triple-A this season with 16 games split between Salt Lake City, the Angels’ affiliate, and Gwinnett.