The announced they are optioning pitcher Jair Jurrjens to the Gwinnett Braves. The news came shortly after Jurrjens pitched three-plus innings in a 7-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. During his time on the mound Monday evening, Jurrjens allowed five runs.
"We optioned Jair tonight to give him a chance to work through his difficulties at the Triple-A level and hopefully come back ready to help us contend," said Atlanta Braves general manager Frank Wren to MLB.com. "He is not having any health or injury issues, just needs to get back on track pitching wise."
"I'm not a quitter," Jurrjens said to reporters before getting the news. "I'm just going to keep going out there to do my best. When I go out there, I try to do my best. That's the only thing I can do. ... Right now, I'm not that same guy I used to be. I'm just going to keep fighting."
According, to MLB.com, the Atlanta Braves had previously considered trading Jurrjens. However, a number of other teams had concerns about the knee he had injured earlier.
"He's a tough kid and the good thing is he's had some success in the past," Atlanta Braves manager said to the baseball website.
Jurrjens will join Atlanta Braves teammate who is pitching for Gwinnett on a rehab assignment.
