Seeking Relief, Atlanta Calls Up Charlton

Veteran reliever Norm Charlton’s stay in the minor-league system of the Atlanta Braves lasted only two games as the National League East leaders called up the left-hander on Tuesday.

Charlton, 35, released last month by the Baltimore Orioles, takes the place of troubled right-hander Mark Wohlers, who was sent to Richmond on Monday in hopes he could regain his lost control and save his career.

Charlton struggled for most of the season after signing with Baltimore as a free agent. Charlton was 3-1 with a 6.94 earned-run average in 36 appearances. He gave up 46 hits and 25 walks in 35 innings.

Opponents were batting .313 against Charlton, although he gave up one run over his final nine appearances, spanning 6 2/3 innings. He followed with two scoreless innings in as many appearances for Richmond.

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Cincinnati put reliever Stan Belinda on the disabled list and optioned catcher Guillermo Garcia to triple-A Indianapolis after its loss to Pittsburgh. The Reds called up first baseman Roberto Petagine and activated catcher Brook Fordyce off the disabled list. Cincinnati also moved infielder Pokey Reese--out the rest of the season because of a torn ligament in his thumb--to the 60-day disabled list.. . . Pittsburgh put outfielder Turner Ward and third baseman Aramis Ramirez on the disabled list and called up infielder Freddy Garcia and outfielder Adrian Brown from triple-A Nashville.

First baseman Rico Brogna and Philadelphia agreed to a $3.2-million, one-year contract extension. . . . Prospective Florida Marlin buyer John Henry outlined a plan to purchase the team for $150 million, build a domed stadium, increase the player payroll and bring the World Series back to South Florida.