Braves promote Hursh, Morris to bolster bullpen

WASHINGTON — After Thursday’s 11-3 loss to the Brewers reminded them of how thin their injury-depleted pitching staff had become, the Braves decided it was time to attempt to fortify their bullpen with the addition of Jason Hursh and Akeel Morris.

Hursh and Morris are expected to join the Braves before Friday night’s series opener against the Nationals at Nationals Park. They will be filling the roster spots that were vacated Friday morning when Roberto Hernandez was designated for assignment and Brandon Cunniff was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett.

The Braves have already used 31 pitchers, including 14 starters, this season. But with Julio Teheran and Arodys Vizcaino aiming to return from the disabled list next week, Atlanta is hoping to regain some stability within the pitching staff and also provide opportunities for young prospects like Hursh and Morris, who has made a strong impression since being acquired via the latest trade that sent Kelly Johnson to the Mets.

Hursh no longer ranks among MLBPipeline.com’s Top 30 Braves prospects. Morris ranks 29th within the farm system, which has been enriched over the past …

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