The season is only six games old and center fielder Mark Kotsay is already making a big impression in an area where many thought he couldn't compare to his predecessor — his defense.

Kotsay has two outfield assists already, including one Sunday when he doubled Carlos Delgado off first base in a win over the New York Mets. He made a running, backhanded catch on Ryan Church's ball to right-center and gunned it to Mark Teixeira on one hop.

Pouya Dianat/AJC (ENLARGE)

Braves' Mark Kotsay recorded his second outfield assist of the season when he doubled Carlos Delgado off first base on one hop throw to Mark Teixeira.

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"I've told people that Mark Kotsay is going to surprise some people with how good his defense is," said Teixeira, who played against Kotsay in the American League.

Though he may not get to as many balls as Andruw Jones does, Kotsay is showing the benefits of a better arm. Kotsay, who leads the majors in outfield assists since 1998 with 112, saved a run on Monday when he gunned down Jack Wilson at home against Pittsburgh.

He preserved a 1-0 lead against Johan Santana in the third inning Sunday when Santana knew better than to try to score from third on a Luis Castillo fly ball to center. Santana had the decision confirmed when Kotsay threw a strike to Brian McCann.

"Outstanding again," manager Bobby Cox said. "His throwing, catching the ball, and he's hitting the ball well too. He's one of the most knowledgeable players I've ever been around. He's really into the game of baseball. He knows exactly what to do. He's not going to make any mistakes at all. He's fun to watch."

Johnson returns at second base

Kelly Johnson was back in the lineup Sunday after giving his right knee the better part of five days to rest. He had not started a game since the home opener on Monday, which he left after aggravating his knee running the bases.

Coming off a pinch-hit grand slam against the Mets on Saturday, Johnson went 1-for-4 Sunday and would have had a second hit if not for a nice play coming off the mound by Santana.

"The last two days it went from jogging — [and] I didn't think I could run much more than that — to the next day being able to run," said Johnson, who benefited from an off day and a rainout. "It's getting close to normal."

Johnson said he had an MRI on his knee on the off day Tuesday and it showed no structural damage, so surgery is not required.

He felt some discomfort in the knee last year but said it rarely bothered him during games. That changed this spring when it started hurting while he was running.

"You don't want to have to deal with stuff like this, but the baseball season is 162 games, so you miss a few and get it right," Johnson said. "It's not terrible. Looking back in two months, three months, the end of the season, hopefully I won't even remember it."

Reyes back down; other move coming

Jo-Jo Reyes was optioned back to Class AAA Richmond Sunday to make room for John Smoltz on the roster. Reyes was up for only emergency bullpen duty and did not pitch.

The bigger roster decision will come Wednesday when Chuck James is activated from the disabled list to take Mike Hampton's place in the rotation against Colorado. It could come down to relievers Royce Ring and Chris Resop, who are both out of options. Jeff Bennett has options left but is proving valuable as a long reliever.