Braves place Venters on DL

Atlanta, GA – The Atlanta Braves placed pitcher Jonny Venters on the 15-day disabled list and purchased the contract of catcher Evan Gattis.

Venters, who is dealing with a left elbow sprain, went 5-4 with a 3.22 ERA in 66 relief appearances last season. The move is retroactive to March 27.

Gattis, who hit six homers this spring, will share time with Gerald Laird behind the plate as the Braves await the return of Brian McCann, who is recovering from shoulder surgery.

The Braves open their 2013 campaign at home on Monday against the Philadelphia Phillies.