Night after latest struggle, Braves option Gearrin

ATLANTA -- The Braves optioned struggling reliever Cory Gearrin to Triple-A Gwinnett on Thursday night and recalled Luis Ayala to take his place on the 25-man roster.

Gearrin gave up six earned runs in six appearances during the month of June and had not pitched in nine days before he was brought on to handle the eighth inning of Wednesday night's game against the Marlins. Gearrin hit the second batter he faced and went on to allow two runs on two hits and a walk before finishing the eighth in the Braves' 6-3 loss.

Gearrin has had a tough time since making 13 consecutive scoreless appearances to begin the season. He was charged with just two earned runs in his next 13 appearances, but he also allowed six of the 17 runners he inherited to score during that span.

In the 11 appearances he has made dating back to May 26, Gearrin has compiled a 9.90 ERA and allowed opponents to produce a .509 on-base percentage.

In his place, the Braves on Friday recalled Ayala, who had been on the disabled list with an anxiety disorder since April 30. Despite four scoreless outings in his six appearances for Gwinnett since June 20, Ayala gave up six earned runs over that span, striking out five batters and issuing five walks.