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Braves option utilityman Pastornicky to Minors

ATLANTA -- The Braves decided to send utility infielder Tyler Pastornicky back to the Minors on Friday night, likely optioning him to Triple-A Gwinnett. He was seen packing his possessions from his locker following Atlanta's 5-2 loss to San Diego.

A corresponding move will not be announced until Saturday, but second baseman Philip Gosselin will likely be the choice. His contract was purchased from Gwinnett when Dan Uggla was suspended for Atlanta's final game before the All-Star break on July 13.

The Braves had to wait 10 days after optioning Gosselin back to Gwinnett before recalling him in a non-injury roster move. The required time has passed, and Atlanta will likely give Gosselin a shot to translate his red-hot numbers to the Majors.

Gosselin is batting .344 (130-for-378) with 29 doubles, five triples, five homers and a .379 on-base percentage in 407 plate appearances with Gwinnett. Those numbers earned him a spot in this year's Triple-A All-Star Game in Durham, N.C., on July 16.

Pastornicky served as a pinch-hitter during his week in Atlanta, going 1-for-5 with a walk, a run scored and two strikeouts.

Joe Morgan is an associate reporter for MLB.com.
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