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2007 The top relief prospect in the organization, Devine nearly made the Braves out of spring training last year. Recalled soon after the season started, he struggled mightily, and it was soon revealed that he was suffering from a degenerative disc in his back. Extensive rest and rehab followed as the Braves changed his pitching motion to cause less strain on his back. A rehab stint at Double-A Mississippi went quite well, and when Devine finally rejoined the big club in September he pitched 5.1 scoreless innings over eight outings, allowing three hits, walking four, and striking out eight. A subsequent AFL stint was less inspiring. He still has the plus fastball and slider that made him a first-round pick, but, still just 22 years old, he`d benefit from some time in Richmond before the Braves use him to rescue the inevitable Bob Wickman meltdown. 2006 The selection of Devine, a reliever from North Carolina State, marked the first time the Braves tapped a college pitcher in the 1st round since 1987. With a thin bullpen, the Braves fast-tracked him to Atlanta, promoting him after just 25 innings. Devine quickly made history by allowing grand slams in his first two major league appearances. After an injury to Boyer cleared a spot on the postseason roster, he nearly surrendered another in the Division Series opener, and then allowed the fateful Chris Burke homer that sent the Braves to their long winter`s rest. Such half-baked desperation by the front office did Devine no favors; the intent may have been Huston Street, but the execution was more David Clyde. He`ll get a shot at making the Braves this spring, but a bit of seasoning in Triple-A wouldn`t hurt.
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