--3B Chipper Jones feels some improvement in his right quad, finally, but not enough to play in the field. He can pinch-hit, although he can't run after he hits. Manager Bobby Cox said Jones could DH this weekend in Toronto.
--SS Yunel Escobar was back in the lineup after missing two games with a strained right hip flexor. He went 0-for-4 but showed his usual range in the field. --C Brian McCann has been involved all four times the Braves have hit back-to-back home runs. And he is hitting for average as well -- .306 overall and .352 against left-handed pitchers.
--LHP Mike Gonzalez developed a blister on the tip of his right index finger from the energy he exerted gripping his glove as he made his return from Tommy John surgery June 18. The injury is on his glove hand.
--LHP Jeff Ridgeway was optioned to Class AAA Richmond. He was the fourth left-hander in the bullpen, and the Braves needed the roster spot for a position player.
--INF Brent Lillibridge was recalled from Class AAA Richmond as a reinforcement for the infield because 3B Chipper Jones and SS Yunel Escobar are a little gimpy.
BY THE NUMBERS: 31 -- Number of consecutive save opportunities Mike Gonzalez has converted, the longest streak in the majors, according to Elias Sports Bureau. He has not blown a save since June 25, 2004, when he was a middle reliever in just his 30th career game.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "We can peck away. By All-Star break, we want to get closer than we are right now, so we need to win." -- Manager Bobby Cox.
