ATLANTA -- In order to make room for Julio Teheran on the active roster ahead of the ace right-hander's return from the disabled list on Friday night against the Nationals, the Braves placed lefty reliever Eric O'Flaherty on the 15-day DL with left elbow neuritis.
O'Flaherty made three appearances earlier this week, but having experienced tightness in his throwing elbow for some time, O'Flaherty decided to not pitch through the injury anymore, according to Atlanta manager Brian Snitker.
"The poor guy, I feel for him," Snitker said. "He just can't do what he's capable of doing. I remember when I was here before that guy helped us put some of those flags up there. He was just nails.
"He's trying, and that's the kind of guy he is. He's a gamer. You're altering your delivery and stuff like that, so I think it's better for his career to get it looked at and see if they can't get it taken care of."
Snitker said O'Flaherty will be further evaluated to see if surgery is needed, and his return to the team this year will likely depend on the results of that appointment.
This marks O'Flaherty's second trip to the DL this season, as he missed an entire month with a right knee strain. Both injuries have only added to a rough campaign for the 31-year-old lefty, who has posted a 1-4 record and a 6.91 ERA across 28 2/3 innings.
With O'Flaherty sidelined, Atlanta carried eight relievers for Friday's game.