Francoeur sits after 15-inning game

Not long ago, leaving Jeff Francoeur out of the starting lineup seemed nearly unthinkable for Braves manager Bobby Cox.

But for the second time in eight games, the slumping right fielder was out of the lineup Tuesday.

Matt Diaz got the start in right field against Pittsburgh, just as he did for a May 31 game at Arizona.

Francoeur hit .191 with two extra-base hits and 21 strikeouts in his past 25 games before Tuesday, dropping his season average to .243 with four home runs and a .275 on-base percentage that’s among the league’s worst for regular starters. He still ranked fourth on the team with 25 RBIs.

Until he arrived at Turner Field and saw the lineup posted in the Braves’ clubhouse, Francoeur didn’t know he would be on the bench. After seeing the lineup, he did a quick workout. (The Braves didn’t take batting practice Tuesday, following Monday night’s 15-inning marathon against Pittsburgh.)

“Of course I want to play,” Francoeur said, “but we had a long night last night, and we’re playing a lot of games in a row. It might be nice to have a day off. I just went out and lifted and ran some, and my legs feel heavy.”

Francoeur was 1-for-5 with two walks (one intentional) in Monday’s 7-6 win and scored the winning run on David Ross’s game-ending, bases-loaded infield hit with one out in the 15th inning. Francoeur reached base on a failed sacrifice bunt, when Gregor Blanco was out at second.

An encouraging spring-training performance hasn’t carried over to the season for Francoeur, who has been the subject of increasing trade speculation. He has been unable to regain the form that made him a rookie phenom in 2005 and produced 48 homers and 208 RBIs during the 2006-07 seasons.

He has managed to remain upbeat and optimistic, at least publicly.

“I feel good,” Francoeur said. “I feel comfortable, just not getting consistent results. I’m starting to swing the bat better. Last night, I had some nice walks. I’m starting to feel a little more comfortable.”

He started all 162 games in 2006 and again in 2007, and played 155 games last season despite a brief demotion to the minors. Francoeur hit .239 with 11 homers and 71 RBIs in 2008.

Reyes hurt again

Braves pitcher Jo-Jo Reyes’ first rehab start was painfully brief. The left-hander re-injured his right hamstring while covering first base Tuesday on the first batter he faced for Class AAA Gwinnett.

It was his Reyes’ first rehab game since being placed on the disabled list after straining the hamstring May 20 against Colorado. He was hurt in his first relief appearance after losing his rotation spot.