Braves option LHP Avilan to minors

ATLANTA (AP) The Atlanta Braves have optioned struggling relief pitcher Luis Avilan to Triple-A Gwinnett and purchased the contract of left-hander Chasen Shreve from Double-A Mississippi.

Avilan had a 1.69 ERA in 101 innings of relief over the previous two seasons, but he's given up 15 earned runs in 11 innings with runners in scoring position this year. Opponents are hitting .293 against the left-hander.

Avilan, 25, is 3-1 with a 4.85 ERA in 48 games. He has allowed 15 walks and 34 hits in 29 2-3 innings.

In 54 1-3 innings at Mississippi, Shreve went 3-2 with a 2.48 ERA, seven saves, nine walks and 76 strikeouts.