ST. LOUIS -- The Braves designated outfielder Peter Bourjos for assignment before Saturday's game against the Cardinals.
The move was necessary to create a roster spot for left-hander Max Fried, who was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett to make the start Saturday. Fried took Brandon McCarthy's turn after the right-hander was place on the disabled list with right knee tendinitis.
"Pete did a nice job for us, but we go with that eight-man bullpen," Braves manager Brian Snitker said. "We brought Danny Santana up [on June 22]. He gives a little more flexibility being a switch-hitter, and you can put him on the dirt if you need to. We'll see what the future holds for Pete, if we somehow get him back, which we'd love to have him back."
Bourjos hit .205 with a home run and four RBIs in 36 games with Atlanta.
When a player's contract is designated for assignment -- often abbreviated "DFA" -- that player is immediately removed from his club's 40-man roster, and 25-man roster if he was on that as well. Within seven days of the transaction (it was previously 10 days), the player must either be traded, released or placed on irrevocable outright waivers.
The Braves designated Bourjos for assignment earlier this season in an identical situation.
"He came back and went down to Triple-A and did really well," Snitker said. "When we were able, we brought him back and he's a nice piece to have here."
Worth noting
• Right-hander Arodys Vizcaino threw a bullpen on Saturday as he recovers from right shoulder inflammation. Snitker said he will be re-evaluated and hopefully be available Monday after a day off.
• Catcher Tyler Flowers was not in the lineup after leaving Friday night's game in the sixth inning with a right hamstring cramp. Snitker said Flowers was already scheduled to have Saturday off and expects him back in the lineup Sunday.