A's place Braden on DL with elbow stiffness

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As expected, the Athletics placed starter Dallas Braden on the 15-day disabled list with left elbow stiffness and recalled right-hander Clay Mortensen from Triple-A Sacramento on Saturday.

Braden, who hasn't pitched since June 22 and hasn't won since his perfect game against the Rays on May 9, was scratched from his Saturday start with elbow woes, the same ones that kept him out against the Orioles on Tuesday.

Braden's DL stint is retroactive to June 23, so the plan is for him to be ready to go shortly after the All-Star break. The 26-year-old southpaw came out of a 25-pitch bullpen session on Thursday feeling well, but A's manager Bob Geren wanted to give him extra time to make sure he's 100 percent.

Mortensen will be starting Saturday night's game against the Indians after going 10-2 with a 3.58 ERA in 15 Minor League starts. With the Cardinals and A's last season, the 25-year-old went 2-4 with a 7.63 ERA in seven games (six starts).

Braden is 4-7 with a 3.83 ERA in 15 starts this year.