The Braves are holding Eric O'Flaherty out of Grapefruit League action until next week in order to protect his back.

O'Flaherty has dealt with back issues off and on for the Braves the last couple years, so the club is using the extra week of spring training to ease him into things. "He's fine," manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "We're just going to be smart with him and use that extra week to make sure he does not get too ready. I'd rather him start a little later than start a little sooner and then back him off."

Braves avoided arbitration with LHP Eric O'Flaherty by agreeing to a one-year contract.

Financial terms of the deal aren't yet available. O'Flaherty, who is in his final year of arbitration, posted a 1.73 ERA over 64 appearances for the Braves in 2012 and will help set up for them again in 2013.

Eric O'Flaherty (back) tossed a scoreless inning of relief in his return to action Wednesday.

It was his first appearance since coming down with a bit of back stiffness on September 26. O'Flaherty posted a sparkling 1.73 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 46/19 K/BB ratio in 57 1/3 innings this season and should play a prominent role in the Braves' bullpen during the playoffs.

Eric O'Flaherty returned to action on Wednesday October 3.

The Braves are listing Eric O'Flaherty as day-to-day with back soreness.

There's no high-level concern for the injury, but the Braves will likely go with Jonny Venters as their primary setup man to finish the regular-season. O'Flaherty is posting a 1.76 ERA and hasn't allowed a run in his last 27 appearances.

Eric O'Flaherty returned to action on Sunday June 17.

Eric O'Flaherty was unavailable Tuesday due to left elbow soreness.

It's not a major concern at this point, but O'Flaherty won't pitch for a few more days. He holds a 3.97 ERA and 1.50 WHIP over 25 games this season.