--LHP Mike Hampton threw 50 pitches in a two-inning simulated game at the Braves' spring training complex near Orlando, and he reported no pain in his strained left pectoral muscle. If he can duplicate that in another simulated game, he would begin a minor league rehab assignment.
--RHP Phil Stockman was the reliever sent down when LHP Mike Gonzalez was activated Wednesday because he's the one who needs steady work after being on and off the disabled list so many times last season with a hamstring injury. --Manager Bobby Cox was finally able to give 1B Mark Teixeira a turn as DH. Cox has been trying to find a way to give Teixeira time off at first base but really had no one to play there until the Braves signed UT Greg Norton. For the first two games against Texas, Cox slotted 3B Chipper Jones in the DH role to protect Jones' sore right quad.
--CF Gregor Blanco got the chance to lead off as manager Bobby Cox shuffled his lineup, ostensibly for Thursday's game only. Many observers have been lobbying for such a change. Blanco grounded out and struck out the two times he led off an inning.
--INF Greg Norton got the assignment as first base as manager Bobby Cox rested 1B Mark Teixeira by using him as the designated hitter. Teixeira has played nearly every inning of every game.
--1B Mark Teixeira has 50 RBIs, 22 of them when the Braves already had the lead. None of them have come in the ninth inning.
BY THE NUMBERS: 4 -- Months before RHP John Smoltz can throw a baseball.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "If it's meant to be, I am going to do it." -- RHP John Smoltz, on whether his career is over after right shoulder surgery found significant damage.
