--3B Chipper Jones went 2-for-3 with two intentional walks to raise his average to .421. It was his 30th multi-hit game of the year, which leads the majors.
--C Brian McCann continues to lead all catchers with 12 home runs; he hit No. 12 in the sixth inning. --LHP Mike Gonzalez was back in the clubhouse, eager to throw a bullpen session for manager Bobby Cox and pitching coach Roger McDowell. He is scheduled to throw for Class AAA Richmond on Sunday and thinks that outing or one more at the most is all he'll need before joining the team.
--INF Martin Prado's strained left thumb "is not right," he says, and will be examined again by team hand specialist Dr. Gary Lourie.
--CF Mark Kotsay is battling more than the stiff lower back that put him on the 15-day disabled list; the injury has morphed into sciatic issues, with pain shooting from his back down through his legs.
BY THE NUMBERS: 57 -- Double plays ground into by the Braves through the first two months of the season, the most in the National League.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "This may be the end of the book." -- RHP John Smoltz, assessing what it would mean if he decides he can't pitch effectively with his new three-quarter arm angle. Smoltz made the comment at a press conference following a rehab appearance with Class A Rome (Ga.), clips of which were shown on the Braves' postgame show.
