--SS Yunel Escobar was not in the starting lineup even though manager Bobby Cox said after Sunday's game that he would be. By Monday, Cox had thought better of it, deciding to give Escobar's jammed left shoulder another day. Cox remains worried about it though, saying, "If it's going to get better, it probably should have by now."
--RHP Rafael Soriano (right elbow tendinitis) has been activated from the 15-day disabled list. Expect manager Bobby Cox to use him as a setup man to LHP Mike Gonzalez, unless Gonzalez has already pitched back-to-back. To make room for Soriano on the roster, RHP Vladimir Nunez has been designated for assignment. --OF Matt Diaz's injury rehab (strained left posterior cruciate ligament) continues with Class AAA Richmond. For the time being, Diaz is playing with a knee brace he bought himself, one that is flexible enough to allow him to play.
--RHP John Smoltz is on the six-game road trip to Florida and Philadelphia, the first trip he has made since his shoulder surgery June 10. Manager Bobby Cox is counting on Smoltz to help keep things loose and also to help mentor the young pitchers during this make-or-break trip.
--LHP Jo-Jo Reyes has been getting the benefit of the doubt all season from manager Bobby Cox, who has been inordinately patient with him. But Cox finally said Monday, "I'm looking for better from him, that's for sure."
BY THE NUMBERS: 0.63 -- Number of home runs per nine innings allowed by the Braves' bullpen through 96 games.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I wouldn't sell my soul to the devil but I'd get pretty close." --LHP Mike Hampton, on everything he has done to try to pitch again.
