Braves Demote Jair Jurrjens To Minors After Loss

LOS ANGELES (AP) – The Atlanta Braves have optioned struggling pitcher Jair Jurrjens to Triple-A Gwinnett after the 2011 All-Star lasted only three-plus innings in a loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Jurrjens, who led the Braves with 13 wins last season despite two trips to the disabled list, is 0-2 with a 9.37 ERA in four starts. He retired only seven of the 17 batters he faced Monday night – including opposing pitcher Chris Capuano on a sacrifice bunt – and was charged with five runs on nine hits in a 7-2 loss.

It was the first time Jurrjens failed to record a strikeout in 42 starts since April 29, 2010, at St. Louis, when he departed after one inning with a strained left hamstring.

The team will make a corresponding roster move Tuesday.