WASHINGTON -- Braves manager Brian Snitker has a genuine appreciation for what Triple-A Gwinnett accomplished, as it won the International League's South Division with a losing record. Snitker began this season as Gwinnett's manager, and since the middle of May, he has skippered the Atlanta club that has used 57 players, many of whom taxied back and forth between the big league and Minor League levels.
"I thought they did a great job of keeping everything on track with all the turmoil that we create for them all the time," Snitker said in reference to the numerous transactions. "I told [Gwinnett manager John Moses] I used to be the recipient, now I'm the cause."
Thirty-four of Gwinnett's non-injury-rehabbing players have been recalled or had their contract purchased by Atlanta this season. One member of this group is Tyrell Jenkins, who completed 7 2/3 solid innings on Monday as the G-Braves defeated Charlotte and clinched the IL's South Division with a 65-78 record.
Providing further indication that the Braves have a much-improved farm system, Gwinnett, Double-A Mississippi, Class A Rome and the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League Braves have all qualified for the playoffs in their respective leagues. This is the first time Atlanta has had four affiliates participate in the postseason since 1989, when the organization had eight Minor League affiliates -- two more than the current total.
ODDS AND ENDS
• Matt Wisler had hoped to return to the rotation during this weekend's series against the Mets, but Snitker said the right-hander will need a few additional days to recover from the strained left oblique muscle sustained last week. Wisler played catch on Tuesday and will likely complete two more bullpen sessions before being cleared to make his next start.
• Since beginning a rehab stint on Thursday, Braves outfielder Mallex Smith has not experienced any problems with the left thumb he fractured on June 19. Smith will likely remain with Mississippi through the end of the playoffs and then join Atlanta's roster for the remainder of the big league season.