ATLANTA -- Braves reliever Wilfredo Ledezma was stuck in
Venezuela because of visa problems and Atlanta placed him on the
restricted list Friday.
Ledezma went home for the All-Star break. Braves general manager
John Schuerholz said Ledezma's visa was damaged "in a washing
incident" and became detached from his passport.
Braves manager Bobby Cox said it is not unusual for foreign
players to return home for the All-Star break.
"You would, too, if you could," Cox said.
The Braves hope Ledezma can return to the team by the middle of
next week.
Atlanta recalled reliever Jose Ascanio from Double-A
Mississippi. The right-hander, was expected to join the team for
Friday night's game against Pittsburgh.
Ledezma is 0-1 with a 6.43 ERA in eight games since Detroit
traded him June 20 to Atlanta for lefty reliever Macay McBride.
Ascanio appeared in 33 games for Mississippi, where he was 2-0
with a 2.44 ERA and five saves in five chances.