52 Wes Parsons RP

Parsons was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday.

Parsons has a mediocre 4.35 ERA and a poor 10:8 K:BB in 10.1 frames of relief this season. He'll make way for new acquisition Jonny Venters, acquired in a trade from Oakland earlier in the day.

Parsons walked three batters and allowed one run in two innings of relief during Thursday's loss to the Reds.

After a promising start to the season, Parsons has had trouble finding the plate in recent outings. He's issued six free passes in 2.2 innings over his last three appearances, and his 4.35 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 10:8 K:BB through 10.1 frames on the year could have the right-hander on shaky ground the next time Atlanta needs to add fresh arms to its bullpen.

Parsons struck out one in a scoreless inning of relief to record his first hold of the season in Sunday's win over the Marlins.

Entering the game in the eighth inning with two on and none out to protect a one-run lead, Parsons needed only eight pitches to punch out the first batter he faced and then induce a double play. The 26-year-old is quickly earning manager Brian Snitker's trust, and Parsons' 6:1 K:BB through 5.1 innings suggests he's capable of handling a high-leverage set-up role for Atlanta.

Parsons (1-0) was credited with the win Monday, working a perfect fifth inning in an 8-0 victory over the Cubs.

Starter Sean Newcomb ran up his pitch count and got the hook after four innings, and Parsons became the pitcher of record with the Braves already ahead 5-0. The 26-year-old had a great spring to win a spot on the 25-man roster, and while he has had one shaky outing so far, his 3:1 K:BB in 2.2 innings is solid. Given the turmoil in the Atlanta bullpen, if he continues to pitch effectively, Parsons should quickly work his way into a more high-leverage role.

Parsons will be on the Braves' Opening Day roster, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Parsons could hardly have had a better spring. He didn't allow a single home run in 15 innings of work, striking out 17 batters while walking just one. The 26-year-old has just five big-league innings under his belt but could stick with the team this year if the improved performance he showed this spring is here to stay.