Washington, DC -- (Sports Network) - The Atlanta Braves optioned pitcher Charlie Morton to Triple-A Richmond on Friday.

Morton, 24, was 4-8 with a 6.10 earned run average in 14 starts this season for Atlanta.

In a corresponding move, the Braves activated pitcher Elmer Dessens. The 37- year-old signed a contract through the end of this season after going 10-2 with a 4.03 ERA in 20 games with the Mexico City Red Devils of the Mexican League.

Dessens last pitched in the major leagues in 2007, when he split the year between Milwaukee and Colorado. In 17 games -- five starts -- he went 2-2 with a 7.15 ERA.