--3B Chipper Jones was out in the batting cage with hitting coach Terry Pendleton well before the game. Jones had the highest batting average in the majors for 132 straight days, fell behind Cardinals 1B Albert Pujols on Wednesday, then regained the lead Thursday.
--C Brian McCann began to feel as though his bat was a little too heavy at this point in the season, so when he went to the plate in the fifth inning Thursday against the Marlins, he grabbed one of LHP Mike Hampton's bats. And hit a three-run homer. --SS Yunel Escobar, batting fifth for the second consecutive game, hit into three double plays. Escobar has hit first or second nearly all season; manager Bobby Cox put him in the run-producing spot in an attempt to protect C Brian McCann, who has been batting cleanup since the trade of 1B Mark Teixeira.
--RHP Charlie Morton was optioned to Class AAA Richmond before the game to make room for RHP Elmer Dessens. It's a paper transaction since Morton will be back on the roster on Sept. 1. He is still with the team.
--RHP Elmer Dessens, signed Aug. 27 after pitching in the Mexican League, made his first relief appearance. Manager Bobby Cox says Dessens might be used as a starter as well.
BY THE NUMBERS: 29th and last -- Where the Braves' 6.29 ERA in 29 games since the All-Star break ranked in the majors and the National League, respectively, through Aug. 24.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I'd love to have both (LHP Tom Glavine) and (RHP John Smoltz) back." -- Manager Bobby Cox.
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