"It's just me doing my job. That's how I look at it," Jones said.

"A lot of players aren't lucky enough to play this long, but I have been that lucky and relatively healthy during that run and able to produce. Any kind of longevity record is a feather in your cap. I've had a pretty good career. To be standing besides Eddie Mathews in another category is quite an honor."

Despite an ailing right elbow, Jones entered the game leading the majors with a .358 average. After going 2-for-5, Jones raised his average to .359. St. Louis' Albert Pujols went 4-for-4 in the Cardinals' 8-5 loss to Houston and took over the NL batting lead - raising his average from .356 to .362.

Jones would love to win his first batting title.

"It's a motivational tool," Jones said. "You're expected to go out and entertain and represent your team. A lot of guys in here are trying to find something to motivate themselves. For me, it's easy."

The 36-year-old has had a fine season despite a series of injuries this season. His biggest problem lately has been the balky right elbow.

"It's really, really painful," Jones said.

The third baseman said it's not a structural problem, and it bothers him on some throws and occasionally when he extends the elbow at the plate.

"It makes you want to cry," he said.

Jones has missed 24 games due to injuries. He was on the disabled list from July 24-Aug. 8 with a strained left hamstring.

"It was bothering me before I went on the DL," Jones said. "I thought the DL stint would help it because I didn't do any throwing during the DL stint."

The Braves are 18 games under .500 for the first time since 1990- and manager Bobby Cox said Jones is the least of his worries.

"He's been pretty healthy lately," Cox said.