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Braves put LH Chuck James on 15-day DL with tight shoulder, release RH Tanyon Sturtze
By JOE KAY, AP Sports Writer
August 21, 2007

CINCINNATI (AP) -- Left-hander Chuck James went on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with tightness in the back of his pitching shoulder, meaning he will miss at least one start for the Atlanta Braves.

James originally was scheduled to start Tuesday against the Cincinnati Reds. Instead, the Braves called up left-hander Jo-Jo Reyes from Triple-A Richmond to take his place.

The Braves also unconditionally released right-handed reliever Tanyon Sturtze, who hasn't been able to make a full recovery from shoulder surgery last year.

James lasted only 3 2-3 innings and gave up a career-high four homers last Thursday in a 9-3 loss to San Francisco. Although he didn't feel pain in the shoulder, he wasn't able to bring his arm all the way up in his delivery.

An exam found an inflamed tendon in the back of the shoulder that was limiting his movement.

"When they pushed in there, I could feel it," James said. "I've been having a lot of trouble trying to hit spots. I've been missing over the middle (of the plate) and haven't had life on my fastball. I hope that's what it is."

James hasn't played catch since his last start, giving the injury a few days to recover. He expects to throw on Wednesday and see how it feels.

The Braves needed to open a roster spot for Reyes, and James was the best option.

"I'll only miss another start while I'm on the DL because of the way the schedule is," he said.

Braves put LH Chuck James on 15-day DL with tight shoulder, release RH Tanyon Sturtze - MLB - Yahoo! Sports