Article:The Tomahawk Times - Braves sign veteran reliever Tavarez

LOS ANGELES -- Looking to add depth to a beleaguered bullpen, the Atlanta Braves signed veteran reliever Julian Tavarez to a contract for the remainder of the season.

Tavarez, 35, will be in uniform Tuesday night as the Braves play the second game of a three game set against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

After starting the season with the Boston Red Sox, Tavarez went 0-1 with a 6.39 ERA and was released on May 22. The Milwaukee Brewers signed Tavarez on May 27, but he went 0-1 with an 8.59 ERA in seven appearances and earned his second release of the season on June 25 after refusing assignment to the minor leagues.

In a 16-year career with nine teams, Tavarez is 84-72 with a 4.46 ERA and 22 saves in 750 career games. Tavarez spent much of last season as a starting pitcher for the World Champion Boston Red Sox.

The Braves optioned outfielder Jason Perry back to Triple-A Richmond to make room for Tavarez on the 25-man active roster. Perry tripled in his first Major League at-bat against the Houston Astros on Friday, but collected just one hit in his next 16 at-bats.

Atlanta recalled outfielder Jeff Francoeur prior to Monday's contest against the Los Angeles Dodgers, giving the Braves five outfielders prior to the signing of Tavarez.