The Braves have optioned Cody Martin back to Gwinnett and recalled David Aardsma, who signed with the team on a minor-league contract. This team needs all the bullpen help it can get because all these blown leads are excruciatingly monotonous.
Shields has faced the Braves twice previously; he is 0-2 against them (7 ER in 12 IP). Markakis has a .311 avg. against Shields in 74 at-bats, the most of any current Braves hitter against Shields, and is the only one with any homers against him. Maybe he hits one tonight, perhaps? Whatever they do, they just need to win.
