The Braves added Jonny Venters to the 25-man roster on Friday afternoon and optioned Evan Phillips — not Sam Freeman — to Triple-A Gwinnett.
Why they decided to demote Phillips instead of Freeman is anyone’s guess, but it’s par for the course for how the bullpen has been handled all year.
Venters, who the Braves acquired last night in exchange for international slot money, should provide some much-needed relief to the bullpen. Freeman has struggled mightily all year, and with A.J. Minter forced to closing duties in Arodys Vizcaino’s absence, Jesse Biddle has become the lone reliable southpaw in the middle innings.