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Last-place Braves reshuffle roster, make 7 moves

NEW YORK (AP) The last-place Atlanta Braves reshuffled their roster Monday night, making seven moves while trying to boost a punchless lineup.

The Braves went into the series opener against the New York Mets with a 6-18 record that was the worst in the majors.

They also ranked last in the big leagues in home runs (5), batting average (.226) and slugging percentage (.287) and had scored the fewest runs in the NL (79).

''I don't think it's a desperation move,'' manager Fredi Gonzalez said.

Right-hander Mike Foltynewicz was called up from Triple-A Gwinnett to face the Mets. The 24-year-old was 1-2 with a 2.05 ERA in four starts in the minors.

Infielder Reid Brignac, infielder/outfielder Chase d'Arnaud and outfielder Matt Tuiasosopo also were promoted from Triple-A. The 30-year-old Brignac, who has played parts of eight seasons in the majors, was in the starting lineup vs. Mets, batting sixth and playing second base.

D'Arnaud is the brother of Mets catcher Travis d'Arnaud, who's currently on the disabled list. Tuiasosopo has been out of the majors since 2013.

Infielder/outfielder Jace Peterson and righty John Gant were optioned to Triple-A and outfielder Drew Stubbs was designated for assignment.

Stubbs hit .237 with one homer and three RBIs in 38 at-bats.

''Drew Stubbs, we needed a right-handed bat off the bench,'' Gonzalez said. ''We gave him an opportunity. And he's a great makeup guy. It's hard. But now you bring in Brignac and bring in Chase, we feel good.''

Peterson, who turns 26 next week, hit .182 with four RBIs in 20 games.

''Jace Peterson, you sit back and talk to the coaches, sit back and look at him, you go, are we doing this guy any good at the end of the day. Him sitting out there, playing once a twice a week, is it doing him any good, doing us any good? So we sent him out,'' Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez said he called Gwinnett manager Brian Snitker on Sunday to let him know some moves were coming. And to apologize, telling him: ''You may not have a team to fill here tonight after we get done.''

In recent years, clubs such as the Astros, Cubs and Mets have been able to reverse their fortunes. With the Braves set to move into a new stadium next year and a couple of top prospects in the minor league system, Gonzalez said he hoped a turnaround was in Atlanta's future.

''It gives you hope, it really does. When you see the young people coming up, you're seeing the talent. It gives the fans hope, too,'' he said.

''It's a trust that the fans have got to give our front office. I've got to trust our office,'' he said. ''We had a plan. We kept the plan, and continued doing the plan, like those teams you mentioned, and you'll see the fruits here shortly.''

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