Braves disable Cormier, promote Davies

The Braves sent Lance Cormier to the disabled list Wednesday, which opens the door for Kyle Davies to start Sunday against the Mets.

Braves' right-hander Lance Cormier experienced more discomfort in his right shoulder Tuesday in Philadelphia, and the Braves have placed him on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 30th.

Kyle Davies, who was optioned to Triple-A Richmond last weekend, was called up and will start Sunday against the New York Mets. Davies pitched three innings in a simulated game Tuesday night in Rome. Rain at State Mutual Stadium forced him to finish his work in the bullpen.

Cormier had a fantastic spring training, posting an ERA of 1.15 in the Grapefruit League. But in the last week of spring training he left a game against the Astros with shoulder tenderness.

Davies also had a productive spring but Cormier beat him out for the fifth spot in the Atlanta rotation. With Davies missing most of last year with the groin surgery, the Braves believed some time in Triple-A to build up his arm and continue to work on his mechanics would do him some good.

Now he'll be thrown into a big series against the New York Mets. Friday is Atlanta's home opener, and then Saturday it will be a classic matchup as John Smoltz will pitch for the Braves against Mets' lefty Tom Glavine.

The Braves hope Cormier will be ready to go April 15th, when he'll be eligible to come off the disabled list. They should be able to determine exactly how long he'll be out when he throws this weekend in Atlanta.




Bill Shanks is the author of Scout's Honor: The Bravest Way To Build A Winning Team, a look inside the Braves‘ traditional scouting and player development philosophies. He can be heard on 680 the Fan in Atlanta, 105.5 the Fan in Macon, and the Atlanta Braves Radio Network. Email Bill at .