--3B Chipper Jones aggravated his sore right oblique muscle, causing him to leave Team USA and the World Baseball Classic before the second game of round two on March 15. Jones wanted the kind of aggressive treatment he's used to getting from the Braves' doctors and training staff.
--RHP Javier Vazquez, back from pitching for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic, filled in as the last-minute starter for RHP Kenshin Kawakami, who was scratched from his March 19 start with right shoulder weakness. Vazquez gave up a first-batter home run, but that was the only damage in 4 2/3 innings. --CF Jordan Schafer's work in the offseason to shorten his swing is paying off in his ability to hit left-handed pitchers.
--RHP Kenshin Kawakami was scratched from his March 19 start after experiencing right shoulder weakness from long-tossing the day before. Subsequent tests indicated the weakness had disappeared, but manager Bobby Cox wasn't interested in taking any chances.
--RHP Jair Jurrjens has to keep reminding himself not to throw across his body when he delivers a pitch. His command disappears when he does that.
--OF Garret Anderson jogged before the March 20 game and had no problems with his ailing right calf. He had yet to return to action since injuring the calf on March 6. Anderson hopes to get into a Grapefruit League game late in the week of March 23-29.
BY THE NUMBERS: 43 -- Plate appearances between strikeouts for RF Jeff Francoeur, who has worked diligently to recast his batting stance and approach.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "His thought process is 300 percent better." -- 3B Chipper Jones on the improvement in RF Jeff Francoeur's approach at the plate.
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