Update: Braves trade former Russell County star Cory Rasmus to Los Angeles Angels

The Atlanta Braves sent former Russell County star Cory Rasmus to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for left-handed pitcher Scott Downs in a two-player trade on Monday, according to a press release from the team.

Rasmus, who has spent the majority of the season at Triple-A Gwinett, made his major league debut earlier this season. In three appearances, the 25-year-old pitched 6.2 innings with a 8.10 ERA. In 143 career minor league appearances (35 starts), he compiled a 17-22 record with a 3.61 ERA in seven seasons.

He was acquired by the Braves in the supplemental round (38th overall) of the 2006 June free agent draft. Rasmus was a member of the 1999 Phenix City Little League team that won the U.S. Championship, and the 2005 Russell County High state champions.

The Angels' Triple-A team is in Salt Lake City in the Pacific Coast League. Another Bi-City product, Ty Kelley (Columbus High) is playing for Inland Empire, the Angels' Advanced-A team in the California League.

Rasmus' father, Tony, was drafted by the Angels in 1986. Cory's brother, Colby, is the center fielder for the Toronto Blue Jays. Another brother, Casey, is with the Cardinals' Double-A team.

Downs, 37, owns a career record of 36-35 with a 3.47 ERA over 12 major league seasons, including 2-3 with a 1.84 ERA over 43 relief appearances this season. Downs made 29 consecutive scoreless appearances (May 5-July 23) this season, while notching 13 holds and holding opponents to a .183 clip during that stretch. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound left-hander owns an 0.98 ERA (2 ER/18 1-3 IP) since May 5.

Since the start of the 2008 season, the Kentucky native ranks fourth among all major league relievers with a 2.28 ERA (minimum 200 innings pitched). Originally drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the third round of the 1997 June free agent draft out of the University of Kentucky, Downs has played with the Cubs, Montreal Expos, Toronto Blue Jays and the Angels.

Rasmus, currently with Triple-A Gwinnett, was selected by the Braves in the supplemental round (38th overall) of the 2006 June free agent draft. He made his major league debut earlier this season and owns a 17-22 record with a 3.61 ERA in 143 games (35 starts) over seven minor league seasons.

This story was originally published July 29, 2013 at 12:25 PM with the headline "Update: Braves trade former Russell County star Cory Rasmus to Los Angeles Angels."