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Maholm tosses three-hit shutout vs. Mets

Paul Maholm has started two games for the Braves since he was picked up at the non-waiver Trade Deadline, and the left-hander has already proved his worth.

In the two starts, he's combined to give up just three runs on nine hits in 16 innings. Maholm has also struck out 13 and walked two.

In total control during his last start against the Mets, Maholm pitched a three-hit shutout on only 95 pitches for his first win with his new team.

"It's pretty good to get off to a good start when you come over to a new team," Maholm said. "To get the first win out of the way, obviously with it being a complete game, it's fun."

He'll try and keep it going on Wednesday as the Braves take on the Padres at Turner Field.

Meanwhile, Edinson Volquez will be on the hill for San Diego, looking to rebound after struggling in his last two starts.

Charged with six runs on seven hits in Friday's game against the Pirates, Volquez lasted just 3 1/3 innings for a no-decision. On Aug. 4 against the Mets, the right-hander couldn't make it past the second inning, allowing four runs on two hits in 1 2/3 innings for his eighth loss of the season.

Manager Bud Black believes the right-hander's struggles are centered on his delivery.

"I think it's a mechanical issue, I really do," Black said of Volquez. "I think it starts with his stride, his stride direction and stride length, which I think has gotten away from him."

Padres: Layne put to work right away
• San Diego called up left-hander Tom Layne from Double-A San Antonio to take the place of left-handed reliever Alex Hinshaw, who was designated for assignment.

"I really wasn't expecting it," Layne said Tuesday upon arriving at Turner Field in Atlanta.

Layne struck out three in one inning of relief in Tuesday's 6-0 loss.

Layne had a 3.28 ERA in 32 games for the Missions, with 36 strikeouts in 35 2/3 innings.

"He's done really well since we put him in the left-handed role," said vice president of player development and international scouting Randy Smith. "His stuff played better."

Braves: Diaz to have season-ending surgery
• Outfielder Matt Diaz, who has been on the 15-day disabled list since July 21 with a right thumb bruise, will undergo season-ending surgery Wednesday at 7 a.m. ET.

The surgery will remove remnants of splinters that Diaz believes he got in 2006. It has an eight- to 12-week recovery period.

Wednesday's surgery will be performed by Dr. Gary Lourie, who also operated on Diaz's thumb in 2010.

"He's going to be able to take his time, look around in there, open it up wider and make sure we've gotten every last piece," said Diaz.

Worth noting
• Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said shortstop Andrelton Simmons' status remained the same after visiting Dr. Gary Lourie on Monday. Simmons has been on the 15-day disabled list with a broken right pinkie since July 8.

• Padres rookie catcher Yasmani Grandal flew from Atlanta to San Diego on Tuesday to begin a Minor League rehabilitation stint with Class A Lake Elsinore. Grandal has been on the DL since July 31 with a strained right oblique muscle.

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