After pitching 2 2/3 innings for AAA Gwinnett this afternoon, sidearming righty Cory Gearrin packed his bags and caught a flight to San Francisco to join Atlanta as they begin their series against the defending champs Friday night. It isn't yet known who he will be replacing on the active roster, but it seems likely he'll be utilized as a ground ball specialist in Peter Moylan's absence.
This will be Gearrin's first chance to prove himself in the Major Leagues. The 25 year old groundball specialist was a fourth round pick by the Braves in 2007. He spent all of 2010 with Gwinnett, with a 3-5 record, a 3.36 ERA, and a 1.30 WHIP in 80.1 innings over a team high 52 appearances. After the game today, he had a 1-1 record, a 2.61 ERA, and a 1.36 WHIP in 10.1 innings over 6 appearances with Gwinnett this season.
[UPDATE: 12pm]
Matt Young will be the player going back to Gwinnett to make room for Gearrin. This is a move to get an extra (fresh) arm in the bullpen, after they were used a lot the last three days. I would imagine Young will be back on Friday when the team returns to Atlanta after the off-day on Thursday.