Wild Wohlers Back to Minors

Mark Wohlers, who dominated batters for three years as one of the top closers in the league, is headed to the minors again.

Wohlers, who saved 97 games for the Braves from 1995-97, inexplicably couldn’t find the plate last season. He had a 10.18 earned-run average for the Braves, walking 33 in 20 1/3 innings, and was even worse after going back to triple-A Richmond--36 walks in 12 1/3 innings and a 20.43 ERA.

After struggling in the early weeks of spring training, Wohlers appeared to find his form as the season neared. But he flopped in two relief appearances in the Braves’ first four games of the season.

He faced three batters in Thursday night’s 6-3 loss to Philadelphia, walking two on consecutive balls and throwing wildly over first baseman Ryan Klesko’s head on a bunt before Manager Bobby Cox removed him.

On opening day Monday, Wohlers walked four and gave up two runs in two-thirds of an inning in a 7-4 loss to Philadelphia. Afterward, he cursed at reporters in the clubhouse.

“I don’t want to dissect everything I do,” he said before stalking away.

Before Friday night’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Braves designated Wohlers for assignment.

Cox said Wohlers, 29, would report to Richmond within three or four days. He can become a free agent, but he would have to give up his $5.2-million contract.

The Braves purchased the contract of right-hander Joe Winkelsas from double-A Greenville. The 23-year-old was 6-9 with a 2.22 ERA at Class-A Danville last season with 22 saves.

“While it was necessary to make this adjustment to our pitching roster at this time, we still remain very hopeful that Mark will be able to return to his high level of abilities,” General Manager John Schuerholz said. “We support and encourage his efforts in this regard.”

Wohlers was not available for comment.

*

Pat Meares’ career with the Pittsburgh Pirates still hasn’t gotten to first base--or, more important, to shortstop.

Meares, perhaps the most significant of the Pirates’ six off-season additions, was put on the 15-day disabled list because of a sprained left wrist that still has not allowed him to play.

*

Montreal Expo President Claude Brochu, a target of angry fans who accuse him of trying to sabotage efforts to keep the team from moving, insisted he was happy to see a nearly full house for Montreal’s home opener.

“It was great,” Brochu said after 43,918 came to Olympic Stadium for the Expos’ win over the New York Mets on Thursday night. “I thought we’d get 35,000. To get 44,000 was extraordinary. We sold 20,000 tickets in the last few hours. It was a nice testimony. It showed our fans support us.”

*

Clay Bryant, who pitched for the Chicago Cubs in the 1938 World Series, died Friday in Boca Raton, Fla. He was 87.

After managing in the Dodger minor league system, Bryant was named third base coach in 1961.