Chipper Jones Activated from Disabled List
Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones has been activated from the 15-day disabled list and is expected to start Tuesday night’s game against the Houston Astros. Jones recovered quickly from arthroscopic surgery on March 26 to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee.
To make room on the 25-man roster, the Braves optioned backup outfielder Jose Constanza to AAA Gwinnett. Constanza appeared in three games for the Braves and was 0-3 with two strikeouts.
Published 1 month ago // Permalink
Chipper Jones Update
Braves third baseman Chipper Jones is eligible to be activated from the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday and has stated he “will be ready physically” to play. However, Jones noted that he may need a few additional days to properly time fastballs.
Jones is recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery on April 26 for a torn meniscus in his left knee. He faced live pitching on Friday for the first time since the surgery by taking about 15 swings against Braves pitcher Randall Delgado.
Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez on Jones’ return timetable:
Definitely the home opener, based on [Friday’s] workout and maybe even sooner than that. We’ll see what happens in the next couple of days with him.
Among the options if Jones is not ready to start at third base, the Braves could activate Jones and have him available off the bench or send him to play at least one Minor League rehab game.
Published 1 month ago // Permalink
We Just Didn't Swing the Bat 
Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez on his team’s Opening Day loss to Johan Santana and the New York Mets:
We just didn’t swing the bat.
‘Nuff said.
Published 1 month ago // Permalink
Braves 25-Man Roster is Set
With the move to place RHP Tim Hudson on the 15-day disabled list with a back injury, the Atlanta Braves finalized their Opening Day 25-man roster.
Atlanta Braves Active Roster
Pitchers: Brandon Beachy, Randall Delgado, Chad Durbin, Tommy Hanson, Livan Hernandez, Jair Jurrjens, Craig Kimbrel, Cristhian Martinez, Kris Medlen, Mike Minor, Eric O’Flaherty, Jonny Venters
Catchers: Brian McCann, David Ross
Infielders: Juan Francisco, Freddie Freeman, Tyler Pastornicky, Dan Uggla, Jack Wilson
Outfielders: Michael Bourn, Jose Constanza, Matt Diaz, Jason Heyward, Eric Hinske, Martin Prado
In addition to Hudson, 3B Chipper Jones will also begin the season on the 15-day disabled list.
Published 1 month ago // Permalink
Braves Sign Reliever Chad Durbin
On Tuesday afternoon the Braves signed veteran right-handed relief pitcher Chad Durbin to a one-year contract.
Durbin, 34, was released by the Washington Nationals earlier in the week and posted a 2.35 ERA in 15 1/3 innings this spring.
To create roster space for Durbin, the Braves reassigned Yohan Flande to Triple-A Gwinnett. Flande, 26, was 2-0 with a 0.83 ERA in eight appearances with the Braves in the spring.
Published 1 month ago // Permalink
Shortstop Jack Wilson Out 4-6 Weeks
Braves shortstop Jack Wilson is expected to miss 4-6 weeks with a strained right calf. The injury occurred during a workout last week before joining the team in Orlando.
The Braves resigned Wilson, 34, last month to a one-year contact for $1 million. Wilson is expected to backup projected starter Tyler Pastornicky at shortstop and Chipper Jones at third base.
With Wilson’s injury, Brandon Hicks, Drew Sutton, Josh Wilson, and possibly Andrelton Simmons, will receive extra playing time and a shot to make the Opening Day roster as a backup infielder.
Published 3 months ago // Permalink
Braves Could Trade Jurrjens This Spring
Danny Knobler on RHP Jair Jurrjens:
He was a popular name on the market when the winter began. The Braves didn’t trade him, in part because they couldn’t convince potential trade partners that he’s healthy and can stay healthy.
Perhaps he can prove that this spring. If so, the Braves could well try to move him again, according to sources.
Published 3 months ago // Permalink
Kenshin Kawakami Back to Japan
Pitcher Kenshin Kawakami, a minor-league free agent, has agreed to a deal with the Chunichi Dragons in Nagoya, Japan following three disappointing years with the Braves organization.
Kawakami, 36, began his professional baseball career with Chunichi in 1998 and won the Central League Rookie of the Year. He spent 10 successful seasons with Chunichi before signing a three-year, $23 million contract with Atlanta in 2009.
Kawakami compiled an 8-22 record with a 4.32 ERA over two seasons with the Atlanta Braves before being demoted to Double-A Mississippi where he spent the entire 2011 season.
Published 4 months ago // Permalink
Wren Practices Patience
As reported by Mark Bradley, Atlanta Braves general manager Frank Wren on his lack of moves this off-season:
If everyone bounces back, we’ve got a good ballclub. We don’t have a major need.
Published 4 months ago // Permalink
Andrelton Simmons Among Top Shortstop Prospects
MLB.com ranks Atlanta Braves minor-league shortstop Andrelton Simmons, 22, ninth on its annual list of prospects at shortstop:
9. Andrelton Simmons, Braves: Simmons had about as solid a first full season as you could ask for in 2011, playing at two levels while hitting for average, stealing bases and playing outstanding defense at short. The Curacao native is one of the best defensive shortstops in the game, with a plus arm and range. He has offensive skills as well, with good bat speed and ability to make consistent contact. While Simmons doesn’t strike out, he is a bit of a free swinger and he could tone that down some, along with his basestealing approach. Once that all comes together, starting this season at Double-A Mississippi, he could be a high-level everyday shortstop.
Published 4 months ago // Permalink
