Jeff Francoeur's streak is over.

The Braves right fielder said it felt like a weight was lifted from his shoulders when manager Bobby Cox decided to rest him for the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Mets.

It ended his streak of 370 consecutive starts dating to Oct. 1, 2005, which had been the longest active games-played streak in the majors.

"It was weird, but I needed [to rest] tonight, mentally more than anything else," said Francoeur, who has hit .211 with no homers and seven RBI in his past 19 games, dropping his season average to .258 with three homers and 26 RBIs.

"It's more important for me to get back on track than any streak. The last week has been a mental grind for me. It wasn't fun. It was definitely the right decision. Something needed to be done."

Cox made the decision, and for once Francoeur didn't try to talk his way into the lineup after he saw it posted in the clubhouse between games.

"He needed just to relax for a ballgame, have a little fun," Cox said. "I'm sure Cal Ripken's streak will never be broken. ...

"You have to use common sense once in a while."

Francoeur said last week he wasn't trying to play 1,000 games in a row, much less ever approach Cal Ripken Jr.'s remarkable record of 2,632 consecutive games played for Baltimore over a 16-season span.

When asked before the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader whether he was considering resting Francoeur, Cox said, "Not really."

Francoeur went 0-for-3 in a 6-1 Braves win in the doubleheader opener. When lineup sheets were distributed for the second game, Gregor Blanco was listed as the starting right fielder.

Francoeur said if he'd had two hits in the opening game, it still would've been best for him to sit. And he also said it had nothing to do with nagging injuries including a sore ankle he has played on for the past month.

"I just needed a night off to rest, to get back to enjoying the game," he said.