ATLANTA (AP) – The Atlanta Braves released left-handed reliever Tom Martin on Friday and called up John Foster from Triple A Richmond to replace him in the bullpen. The Braves acquired Martin at the trade deadline last year from the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are responsible for half of his $1.9 million salary.

He has struggled this season, compiling a 19.29 ERA over two innings in four appearances, during which opposing hitters averaged .500. Martin walked two and allowed three runs while recording just one out Wednesday against Washington.

The 26-year-old Foster made five appearances with Atlanta in 2002.

He was traded with Wes Helms to Milwaukee for Ray King before the 2003 season. The next winter, Foster was selected by the Cubs in the Rule 5 Draft but had a torn labrum, which was surgically repaired a year ago.

Foster has allowed just one run and two hits in 5 2-3 innings for Richmond this year. In addition, he issued just one walk and held opponents to a .105 batting average.

AP-ES-04-15-05 2156EDT