McKirahan expected back with Braves Monday

ATLANTA -- The Braves' bullpen will continue to see different names over the next few days, with Andrew McKirahan expected to return to the club on Monday.

"I talked to [Triple-A Gwinnett manager Brian] Snitker today," said Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez. "He's going to throw an inning today and then off [Sunday] and then he's eligible to come back on Monday."

McKirahan was suspended 80 games earlier this season after testing positive for ipamorelin, a performance-enhancing substance banned under Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, and is eligible to return Monday when the Braves begin a three-game series against the Dodgers.

McKirahan began a rehab assignment in early July and posted a 3.18 ERA over 5 2/3 innings while striking out seven batters and walking three with Triple-A Gwinnett and Double-A Mississippi.

"From when I saw him pitch here, he did well," Gonzalez said. "So the plan is for him to be here Monday."

McKirahan has thrown 4 1/3 innings for the Braves this season and has recorded two strikeouts and issued one walk. Because McKirahan was selected in the Rule 5 Draft, the Braves have to keep him on their active Major League roster throughout the season or offer him back to the Cubs for $25,000.

With McKirahan and the recently acquired Ross Detwiler, Atlanta will have three left-handed pitchers in the bullpen to provide some relief for Luis Avilan, who is tied with St. Louis' Kevin Siegrist with 46 games -- the most in the Majors among relievers entering Saturday.