Braves recall Lillibridge for help


The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 06/21/08

Chipper Jones is still a day or two from returning to the lineup with his sore right quadriceps, and Yunel Escobar was out Saturday with a strained right hip flexor, so the Braves called up Brent Lillibridge from Class AAA Richmond.

With Omar Infante and Ruben Gotay in the lineup at third base and shortstop, respectively, the Braves needed another backup infielder.

Joey Ivansco/AJC
Brent Lillibridge, who can play third or shortstop, made his major-league debut in April, going 0-for-8 with one RBI and three strikeouts in two games for the Braves.
 
Your Turn
Are you greatly worried about Chipper's injury?
  Yes
  Not yet


Voter Limit: Once per Hour
View Poll Results
RELATED STORIES        • More Braves coverage

The Braves sent left-handed reliever Jeff Ridgway to Richmond and will carry 12 pitchers again.

"We don't have anybody else that can play the infield; we've got to," manager Bobby Cox said. "It was nice to carry the 13 pitchers, but we've got two off days coming. We should be OK."

Jones sent word through the Braves media-relations staff that his quadriceps was the same and he still expected to miss a couple of games. He injured it in early April and aggravated it June 7 and again Friday night.

"It's never going to go away, I don't think," said Cox, who said Jones and Escobar might be available to pinch hit Saturday. "From time to time it grabs him, and he needs a few days off. We're going to do that and see how he does."

Escobar thought he could play Saturday, but Cox gave him one more day to rest. He should return to the lineup Sunday.

Lillibridge, who can play third or shortstop, made his major-league debut in April, going 0-for-8 with one RBI and three strikeouts in two games.

He was hitting only .207 through 54 games for Richmond but said he has sorted through some things with Richmond hitting coach Chris Chambliss. He's coming off back-to-back three-hit games against Syracuse.

"I was really jumping at the ball which wasn't allowing me to hit anything other than a fastball right down the middle," said Lillibridge, who grew up a Mariners fan in Everett, Wash. "[Now I'm] getting into a good solid base and really being quiet, keeping my hands down, so I'm able to handle all kind of pitches. And it's seeing the ball all the way through, so I can react to 95 or 75 mph changeup."

In other iInjuries ...

Mark Kotsay took live batting practice Saturday without any problems with his back, a first since he has been on the DL with a bulging disc. He is running, throwing and doing everything but diving and sliding, he said. He's eyeing a return to either the Braves or a minor-league rehabilitation assignment in a week. ... Mike Hampton threw 30 pitches in three innings without incident for the Gulf Coast Braves on Saturday, allowing one hit and striking out two. He will pitch again Wednesday, and if all goes well, he will continue to work his way through the higher minor-league levels. He has to work up to 90 pitches without any problems with his pectoral muscle before he can return to the majors.

Vote for this story!

Inside AJC.COM

Holiday shopping

Realtime shopping updates for gift bargains in Metro Atlanta. See a deal? Tell everyone!

Holiday Guide

Things to do in Atlanta with family and friends during the holidays.

Weekend Best Bets

International Cat Show, Chante Moore, Magical Night of Lights, chef cook-offs and more!

Obama Inauguration

Travelling to D.C. on Jan. 20? Here's everything you need to know for your planning.

My Style

Cecile Blanco says her clothing style is contemporary with a French twist.

Cheap Travel

No need to drop big bucks. Here are 25 offerings for cruise, hotel and fall travel packages.

Holiday Guide

Here are 10 gifts under $10, including edible candy cane cups.

Top 5 in Atlanta

Skip those drive-thrus. Here are five of best places in Atlanta for a juicy hamburger.

Christmas House

The 2008 edition, with its garlands and wreaths, benefits Alliance Children's Theater.

Search AJC Archives

1985 to present     1868 - 1939 Advanced search

Kudzu.com services Find the right people for the job

Keyword     Business Name

AJCPets » The community for Atlanta pet lovers

Do Good Search for non-profit causes near you