Braves Send Willard to Minor Leagues

Jerry Willard, a pinch-hitter and reserve catcher for the Atlanta Braves, on Friday was designated for assignment to the minor leagues.

Willard, 32, a former Hueneme High and Oxnard College star, batted .348 in 23 at-bats with two home runs and seven runs batted in.

Jim Schultz, a Braves’ spokesman, said no decision had been made on where Willard would be assigned.

Willard’s place on the Braves’ roster will be filled by second baseman Jeff Treadway, who has been on the disabled list recovering from surgery in March to repair a broken bone in his right hand.