BlueBaron

Published: 8/24/07, 7:45 PM EDT
By R.B. FALLSTROM

ST. LOUIS (AP) - The Atlanta Braves cut ties with struggling closer Bob Wickman on Friday, designating him for assignment. The move came a day after Wickman surrendered a game-winning two-run home run to the Reds' Adam Dunn. Wickman is 3-3 with a 3.92 ERA and 20 saves in 26 chances.

Manager Bobby Cox did not reveal his new closer, which could be one of several pitchers. He said Rafael Soriano would probably serve in the ninth-inning role on Friday but that "anybody out there would be a possibility."

"We just want to go a different way," Cox said before the Braves, who had lost three in a row, began a three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals. He said Wickman had "not lately" pitched to expectations.

The Braves also recalled right-handers Jose Ascanio from Double-A Mississippi and Joey Devine from Triple-A Richmond. Infielder Martin Prado was optioned to Richmond.

Wickman, 38, saved his 20th game on Aug. 15 against the Giants, a night after blowing his sixth save. He has eight career 20-save seasons, including three in a row.

AT&T