Right-hander Chris Resop, on the Opening Day roster then sent to Class AAA Richmond, has been sold to the Hanshin Tigers of the Japanese League. And right-hander Anthony Lerew, who had "Tommy John" surgery in May 2007, has been activated from the 60-day disabled list and optioned to Richmond.

More interesting than these transactions is the fact that the probable pitcher for Saturday versus the Phillies -- listed as lefty Jo-Jo Reyes for the last week -- is now the ever-popular "Undetermined," though Mike Hampton is expected to make the start.

None of this means that a trade is imminent, only that general manger Frank Wren, having learned from crafty predecessor John Schuerholz, is making sure he has the flexibility to pull something off at the last minute if events warrant.

This weekend's three-game series in Philadelphia may be critical to the players' psyches, but the outcome will not seal the team's fate as far as transactions are concerned. Always remember that when it comes to the Braves and trades, their drop-dead date is the waiver deadline at the end of August, not next week's non-waiver deadline.

The Braves have historically passed many of their players through waivers so as not to arouse suspicion about any one of them in particular, and also because once players are through the process, there will be no hold-up if a deal is reached.

FYI: Wren joined the team in Philadelphia Friday.

BRAVES 8, PHILLIES 2: C Brian McCann's first home run gave the Braves a 1-0 lead they carried into the ninth inning behind eight terrific innings pitched by RHP Jair Jurrjens and some outstanding defense. McCann's second homer was a grand slam in the ninth that broke the game open.