Braves move to shore up bullpen, acquire Downs from Angels

ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Braves have added a needed left-hander to their bullpen by acquiring Scott Downs from the Los Angeles Angels for minor league righty Cory Rasmus.

The Braves have lost left-handed relievers Jonny Venters and Eric O'Flaherty to season-ending elbow injuries. The 37-year-old Downs joins Luis Avilan as lefties in Atlanta's bullpen.

Downs was 2-3 with a 1.84 ERA in 43 games with the Angels. He is 36-35 with a 3.47 ERA in 12 seasons.

Downs had 29 consecutive scoreless appearances from May 5-July 23 before giving up three hits and two runs in a 3-1 loss at Oakland in his last outing with the Angels on Saturday.

Rasmus had an 8.10 ERA in three appearances with Atlanta this season before he was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett on June 18.

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