ATLANTA -- As the Braves debated how to react to Bartolo Colon's latest rough start, they determined it would be best to give the veteran pitcher at least one week to rest and recover from both the physical and mental strain this season has created.
The Braves essentially made their anticipated decision to remove Colon from their rotation on Tuesday, when it was announced the 44-year-old hurler had been placed on the 10-day disabled list with a strained left oblique. Right-handed reliever Jason Hursh was promoted from Double-A Mississippi to temporarily take Colon's roster spot.
"He's been getting treatment on an oblique," Braves manager Brian Snitker said. "I don't think it's a huge issue, but I kind of feel like there's something going on that's not allowing him to perform the way he's capable."
When Colon's Major League-high ERA ballooned to 7.78 after he allowed the Phillies eight earned runs in 3 2/3 innings Monday, it was assumed he would not make his next scheduled start in Saturday's doubleheader. The veteran pitcher was effective in two of his first three starts, but he has posted a 10.03 ERA and allowed opponents to produce a .380 batting average over his past eight starts.
It appears Matt Wisler will start one of Saturday's games against the Mets. The other start will likely go to Sean Newcomb or Lucas Sims, both of whom are pitching for Triple-A Gwinnett. If Newcomb doesn't make his scheduled start Wednesday, it will be a telling sign the Braves are just a few days away from giving their No. 5 prospect his big league debut.
There had not previously been any mention of Colon dealing with any sort of physical ailment. But as his struggles continued over the past few weeks, it was assumed the Braves would have to eventually either place him on the DL or give him a chance to pitch out of the bullpen.
"I think sometimes you have to make a decision to protect a player from himself," Snitker said.
Snitker expects Colon will be ready to pitch when he becomes eligible for activation June 16. But the team has not yet decided whether he will be used as a starter or reliever.
"I don't think we can rule anything out," Snitker said. "I'd like to hopefully get him back out there starting. I think that would be the most ideal thing."