MLB: ATLANTA BRAVES

Braves’ McCann visits another eye specialist

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Monday, April 27, 2009

Brian McCann was fitted for a new pair of contacts by Atlanta eye specialist Dr. Alan Kozarsky Monday. He tested them out by playing a little catch at Turner Field Monday evening and then headed out to Class A Myrtle Beach, where he will play two games on a rehabilitation assignment. He planned to play in games Tuesday and Wednesday in Myrtle Beach to test them out.

McCann is on the disabled list with blurred vision and dryness in his left eye. He’s been coping with it since Opening Day in Philadelphia. He tried to play through it, using two different contact lenses for his left eye, as well as eye drops, but he was still battling blurred vision.

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Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

Braves catcher Brian McCann, on the 15 day disabled list for blurred vision, rubs his face and eyes in the dugout during 2nd inning

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McCann was scratched from the lineup Friday night in Cincinnati and put on the disabled list Saturday.

An eye specialist in Washington told McCann last week that the vision in his left eye had deteriorated since he had Lasik surgery prior to last season. McCann thought he might be facing more Lasik surgery to correct the problem.

Reyes looks to break streak

Jo-Jo Reyes will try to break an eight-game losing streak tonight against the Cardinals. He’s 0-8 with a 7.82 ERA in 13 outings (12 starts) dating back to last June.

Reyes said he has put last year behind him. He dropped 25 pounds over the winter and put up an impressive spring training. He pitched well in his first outing in Pittsburgh April 18 but had it spoiled on one pitch, a three-run homer by Craig Monroe.

“Last year is over,” Reyes said. “I worked too hard this offseason to think about anything from last year.”

He’s been more aggressive in the strike zone and is trying to get hitters out early in the count, throwing fewer pitches.

“I don’t feel like I have to go 200 mph anymore to get somebody out, or feel like I need to strike out everybody,” Reyes said. “I feel comfortable with my approach this year and sticking with it regardless of the situation I’m in.”


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