--OF Greg Norton's jammed left shoulder kept him from starting at first base for a second consecutive game. He said the shoulder stiffness compromised his ability to swing a bat, but he delivered the Braves' first run on a pinch-hit home run in the fifth inning.
--INF Martin Prado started his second consecutive game at first base, extending his versatility to every infield position. Prado was forced into trying out first base after Greg Norton jammed his left shoulder on a play at first at Shea Stadium Wednesday. And Norton was himself a sub, taking the place of 1B Casey Kotchman, who is on the bereavement list due to his mother's illness. --RHP Rafael Soriano is facing the prospect of exploratory surgery on his right elbow after experiencing soreness when he tried to throw the other day. Three MRIs this season have shown no ligament damage but are otherwise inconclusive as to the cause of the soreness. So the last resort is going in there.
--RF Jeff Francoeur took a seat on the bench again; Gregor Blanco started in right in his place. It's not a platoon situation -- manager Bobby Cox wants to get Blanco in the outfield as often as possible, and Francoeur's low batting average makes him a periodic replacement candidate.
--LHP Mike Hampton's sinker was especially crisp in his start against the Mets Wednesday. He is working with pitching coach Roger McDowell to re-master his curve ball.
BY THE NUMBERS: 29-9 -- Cumulative score of the Cubs' three-game sweep of the Braves Aug. 13-14.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "Guys are just throwing me fastballs because they know I can't get the bat head there. I'm just late. I haven't driven a ball in three weeks. You miss that feeling. It's not like they're tricking me." -- OF Jeff Francoeur, who was hitting .231 through Aug. 17, including a .200 mark in August.
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