Reliever Motte joins Braves; Recker optioned

NEW YORK -- The Braves added Jason Motte to their bullpen mix Thursday, selecting the veteran right-hander from Triple-A Gwinnett and making room on the roster by optioning catcher Anthony Recker to Gwinnett.
The 34-year-old Motte is a familiar face, with 398 career appearances for the Cardinals, Cubs and Rockies, but he looks a bit different without his trademark beard. Motte, released by the Rockies at the end of Spring Training, had to shave because the Braves don't allow their Minor Leaguers to have facial hair.
Motte signed a Minor League contract with the Braves on April 11 and made five scoreless appearances at Gwinnett.
"The reports were really good," Braves manager Brian Snitker said. "He's been throwing well and has been real efficient."
Snitker said he plans to use Motte for one inning at a time, likely in the sixth or seventh inning at first.
"We'll work from there," Snitker said.
Recker appeared in six games and hit .143. 
Motte had a 4.94 ERA in 30 appearances for the Rockies last season. He gave up eight runs in 8 2/3 innings in Spring Training and was designated for assignment.
"It was a pretty crazy month, but it was good to be home for a week," Motte said. "I got to coach my daughter's T-ball team."
His daughter, 4 1/2-year-old Margaret, plays a part in the beard story, too.
"She ended up shaving it for me," Motte said.
Motte wasn't concerned with his poor numbers this spring.
"The main thing was I was healthy, after being hurt twice last year," he said. "I think I know what I can do if healthy."
The Braves will find out soon.