Gilmartin, Obispo sent to Minor League camp

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Left-handed pitcher Sean Gilmartin arrived at Spring Training with the realization that he would likely begin this upcoming season at the Minor League level. Now, Gilmartin will prepare to pitch for Triple-A Gwinnett with the understanding that a promotion to the Majors could be just a phone call away.

The Braves re-assigned Gilmartin and right-handed reliever Wirfin Obispo to Minor League camp on Sunday morning.

Gilmartin, who was selected in the first round of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft and is No. 5 on the Braves' Top 20 Prospects list according to MLB.com, surrendered 22 hits and allowed 11 earned runs in the 13 innings he compiled during his four Grapefruit League starts. The 22-year-old southpaw produced a 3.84 ERA in 27 combined starts with Double-A Mississippi and Gwinnett last year.

"I don't know how much more work he needs," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "I like him. He gives us a little depth in Triple-A in case something happens up here. You love everything about him. His work ethic and the way he goes about his business is off the chart."

Gilmartin currently stands as the top candidate to be promoted to Atlanta if the Braves need a starting pitcher. But once other teams make roster decisions this week, the Braves are expected to attempt to acquire a more experienced pitcher who would provide depth in Gwinnett's rotation and serve as a better option if a starting pitcher is needed in Atlanta.

Obispo caught the attention of the Braves' coaching staff, as he surrendered one hit and worked four scoreless innings in five Grapefruit League appearances. The 28-year-old right-hander pitched four seasons in Japan before producing a 3.00 ERA in 30 combined appearances (13 starts) for the Reds at the Double-A and Triple-A Minor League levels last year.

"I thought Obispo was very interesting," Gonzalez said. "We're just running out of innings. He's funky and he's got good stuff."