Braves shortstop Escobar injured in on-deck circle

The Braves are a little short on the left side of the infield. Yunel Escobar had to leave Thursday’s game with a strained abdominal muscle, which he injured jumping up and down in the on-deck circle, warming up.

Manager Bobby Cox said it could be three or four days before he returns. Escobar said he thought could be ready sooner than that, possibly as early as tonight in Pittsburgh.

The Braves had no immediate plans to call up another infielder. Chipper Jones is expected to miss his third consecutive game tonight with his bruised left thumb, which he aggravated Tuesday against the Marlins.

Jones said he could be back as early as Saturday, depending on how he feels. It’s his top hand that hurts on his left-handed swing. The Braves face a right-hander on Saturday but the left-handed Zach Duke on Sunday.