Jason

Hursh

The Braves gave up their first-round pick to sign B.J. Upton, but they got one back for losing Michael Bourn. Hursh, a Tommy John survivor, went 6-5 with a 2.79 ERA and an 86/28 K/BB ratio in 106 1/3 innings for the Cowboys this year. A sinkerballer, he could move quickly, though he doesn’t have the kind of upside one might prefer from a first-round pick.

He got a $1.7 million signing bonus. Hursh was selected with the compensation pick that the Braves received for losing Michael Bourn to free agency. The 21-year-old sinkerballer posted a 2.79 ERA and 86/28 K/BB ratio in 106 1/3 innings this season for Oklahoma State.

Hursh surrendered five earned runs in 1 1/3 innings (two appearances) with Atlanta. The former first-round pick may get another shot when rosters expand next month.

A first-round pick in the 2013 Draft, Hursh has pitched better since a full-time move to the bullpen this season, posting a 1.83 ERA between Double- and Triple-A (although it’s come with just 45 strikeouts over 64 innings). He’ll work in middle relief.

Selected in the first round in 2012, Hursh moved to the bullpen last year and posted a 1.97 ERA and 50/31 K/BB ratio over 73 innings between Double- and Triple-A. The 25-year-old also appeared in three games with the Braves and will try to work his way back this year.

Hursh posted an excellent 1.97 ERA in 73 innings last season between the Double-A and Triple-A affiliates of the Braves, but he struggled mightily when called up to the major league level. The 25-year-old right-hander will be a low-leverage bullpen guy for Atlanta.

Hursh didn’t pitch during his very brief stint with the club, and he can’t be very encouraged that the Braves would rather have Luke Jackson up, considering that Jackson isn’t throwing very well of late.

Hursh had registered a 1.23 ERA in 14 2/3 innings of relief at the Double-A level. He’ll be available out of the Braves’ bullpen Tuesday night against the Phillies.

Hursh was just sent down Saturday but returns a day later with Eric O’Flaherty (shoulder) injured. He’ll work in middle relief.

The move clears a 25-man roster spot for pitching prospect Sean Newcomb, who will make his MLB debut on Saturday against the Mets. Hursh made only appearance during his short stay with Atlanta.