ARLINGTON, Texas — Relief pitcher Mike Gonzalez was removed from the disabled list by the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday, 13 months after ligament replacement surgery on his left elbow.

Right-hander Phil Stockman was optioned to Triple-A Richmond to make room on the roster for Gonzalez, whose elbow surgery was on May 31, 2007.

Gonzalez has pitched 11 innings during two minor-league rehab stints with a 1-0 record and 0.82 ERA. He said his elbow has responded well.

Gonzalez's return bolsters the Atlanta bullpen two weeks after closer John Smoltz had season-ending surgery on his right shoulder.

Manager Bobby Cox says Gonzalez is a candidate for the closer's role.