Luis Ayala Starting His Return

April 21, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Luis Ayala (20) delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the eighth inning at PNC Park. The Pittsburgh Pirates won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

From the Gwinnett Braves, we have this tweet:

"RHP Luis Ayala will begin a minor league injury rehab assignment today with the #GBraves. Ayala will wear #30."

Ayala was obtained from the Orioles for reliever Chris Jones back on April 10th… a move that freed up space on the major league roster so that Baltimore could keep Rule-5 Pick T.J. McFarland.  At the time, this sounded like a great deal for Atlanta – especially as their own relievers were dropping faster than pre-order rates for XBox One.

Ayala made four solid appearances for Atlanta until one fateful cold day in Denver in which he gave up 2 hits, a walk, and a run while getting only one batter out.  After that, he was placed on the DL and diagnosed with an anxiety disorder that has sidelined him ever since.  This will actually be his second rehab/comeback attempt – the first being six innings of work in AA and AA over 5 games (no runs allowed) in mid-May.

We certainly wish him well in this effort.