Manager Bobby Cox and general manager Frank Wren have some decisions to make in the next week or two. Left-hander Tom Glavine (strained right hamstring) will come off the 15-day disabled list Tuesday and lefty Mike Hampton (strained left pectoral muscle) just pitched a perfect three innings in a rehab start for Class AAA Richmond (Va.). He could be ready to come back in another week.
Right-hander Rafael Soriano (right elbow tendinitis) is expected back for the two-game Nationals series starting Tuesday, which is hard to fathom since he just had his first experience on a mound. And lefty Mike Gonzalez has progressed so steadily and beautifully that his estimated return, once hoped to be after the All-Star break in July, is now anticipated mid-May. Cox and Wren will also have choices to make in the infield, but they may have two more weeks before they have to bite the bullet there; infielder Omar Infante (broken left hand) played four innings at shortstop in his first game in extended spring training, then played six innings at second base the next day. But he has yet to hit, and one assumes the Braves would want to see Infante's bat coming around before calling him up.
Infielder Martin Prado is proving versatile in the field, and is hitting besides, so he is unlikely to be the odd man out. Brayan Pena, who has been a catcher with the organization, spent last season at Class AAA Richmond playing first and third base and corner outfield positions. But he isn't a standout at any of them.
METS 6, BRAVES 3: Right-hander John Smoltz hadn't given up a home run before giving up two of them Sunday, but the first run he allowed came on a wild pitch in the first inning. He left after four innings with discomfort in his right shoulder, leaving his status for his next start in doubt.
The Braves had opportunities again but did not do the things they had to do to turn them into runs.
