CHICAGO -- As the Braves have attempted to account for some of their weaknesses in the pitching department, they have shortened their bench while utilizing a 13-man pitching staff for most of the past two weeks.
But before Sunday's series finale against the Cubs, the Braves reverted back to a 12-man pitching staff by recalling utility man Emilio Bonifacio from Triple-A Gwinnett and optioning right-handed reliever Chris Withrow to Gwinnett.
The combination of Saturday's postponement and a scheduled off-day on Thursday put the Braves in a position where they do not necessarily need the security of carrying an extra reliever in their bullpen.