Getting healthy in Atlanta With a comfortable 10-game lead in the National League East, the Atlanta Braves can do some experimenting as the schedule winds down. Manager Fredi Gonzalez plans on starting seven different pitchers in a seven-game stretch that began Friday. Veteran left-hander Paul Maholm missed his scheduled start Friday because of a sore elbow and David Hale started in his place. The Braves also have the luxury of working veteran reliever Jordan Walden back into the mix. Walden returned Thursday after spending a few weeks on the disabled list with a groin injury. He allowed a pair of runs in Friday’s loss to the Padres, including a home run to Chase Headley. Atlanta will let Walden get in his work so he can again join Luis Avilan as capable set-up men for Craig Kimbrel. There also is outfielder Jason Heyward, who Friday took batting practice on the field for the first time since his right jaw was fractured when hit by a pitch on Aug. 21. The Braves hope Heyward can return before the end of the regular season. The goal is to be running on all cylinders in October, but the Braves do have the incentive of finishing with the best record in the National League and earning home field advantage through the NLCS. Atlanta (86-61) currently owns a two-game lead over the Cardinals and Dodgers. At this stage, health takes precedence over postseason seeding.
Posted on: Sat, 14 Sep 2013 21:46:50 +0000
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