Braves Add Four Players to 40-Man Roster

The Atlanta Braves today have added four players to their 40-man roster. They purchased the contracts of infielder Diory Hernandez and right-handed pitchers Todd Redmond and Stephen Marek. They also claimed left-handed pitcher Eric O'Flaherty off waivers from the Seattle Mariners.

The 24-year-old Hernandez spent the 2008 season at Mississippi (AA) and Richmond (AAA). He hit .286 with two home runs and eight RBIs in 22 games at Mississippi before being promoted to Richmond on April 26. In 120 games in Triple-A, he hit .288 with five home runs, 23 doubles and 53 runs batted in. He played at second base, third base and shortstop at both levels. He was originally signed as a non-drafted free agent in August 2002.

Redmond, 23, was named Southern League Pitcher of the Year, appearing in 28 games (27 starts) with Mississippi (AA). He had a 13-5 mark with 3.52 ERA in 166.1 innings pitched in 2008. His 13 wins led the Southern League, and his 133 strikeouts tied for the lead. His 3.52 ERA ranked tied for fifth. Redmond was acquired by the Braves on March 26 from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for right-handed pitcher Tyler Yates. He was originally selected by the Pirates in the 39th round of the 2004 June free-agent draft.

Marek, 25, was acquired on July 29 from the Los Angeles Angels along with first baseman Casey Kotchman in exchange for first baseman Mark Teixeira. Prior to the trade, Marek made 34 relief appearances for the Angels' Double-A affiliate Arkansas Travelers, going 2-6 with three saves and a 3.66 ERA in 46.2 innings pitched. He made 10 relief appearances with Mississippi once acquired by Atlanta, going 1-2 with a save and a 3.21 ERA in 14 innings pitched. He was originally selected by the Angels in the 40th round of the 2004 June free-agent draft.

O'Flaherty, 23, started the season on Seattle's Opening Day roster and made seven appearances, going 0-1 with a 20.25 ERA in 6.2 innings pitched. He made one relief appearances with the Double-A West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx, a scoreless two-inning outing, before making 14 relief appearances with the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers, where he was 1-0 with two saves and a 4.96 ERA in 16.1 innings pitched. He was originally selected by Seattle in the sixth round of the 2003 June free-agent draft.

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