Braves option RHP Morton to minors

Aug 29, 2008 - 10:47 PM WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- The Atlanta Braves on Friday optioned righthander Charlie Morton to Class AAA Richmond.

The 24-year-old tossed six innings, allowing two runs and four hits against the Florida Marlins in Thursday's 4-2 victory. Prior to that, Morton - who went 4-8 with a 6.10 ERA in 14 starts this season - had been 0-6 with an 8.18 ERA this season at Turner Field.

In a corresponding move, the Braves activated righthander Elmer Dessens to take Morton's roster spot.

After going 10-2 with a 4.03 ERA in 20 starts with the Mexico City Red Devils of the Mexican League, the Braves offered him a guaranteed major league contract for the remainder of this season.

"He can do a little bit of everything," Braves manager Bobby Cox told the team's web site. "He's like (Julian) Tavarez has been the past couple of years. He can be a long (reliever), a short (reliever) or a starter."

Dessens, 37, has gone 48-61 with a 4.50 ERA in 356 career games.