McCann's new look appears a success
The new-look Brian McCann is ready to return to the Braves.
That's new-look as in prescription glasses and a hockey-style catcher's mask.
The Braves catcher went 1-for-3 with a double and a walk as he concluded his stint on the disabled list with a rehab assignment for Class AAA Gwinnett on Thursday. The G-Braves defeated Syracuse 4-0.
McCann expects to rejoin the Braves today to start a series in Philadelphia.
It was an active night for McCann. He ripped a double down the right-field line in his first at-bat. He threw out former Braves player Pete Orr trying to steal second to end the third inning and tagged out a runner at the plate to end the fourth.
McCann began the game by wearing the new glasses, which arrived at 1 p.m., under his catcher's mask but took them off after two innings. He put them back on to catch the final inning.
"I'm not used to taking the mask on and off [with glasses on]," McCann said. "I went down to back up first [base] and I smeared the lens. I am probably going to have to wear them when I catch.
"This is all going to be a process for me to get used to. I have to get used to catching with these things and hitting with them."
McCann's optometrist, Dr. David Ross, was in the Braves' dugout for the game.
"I definitely see better with them on," McCann said. "I let a ball get to the backstop that I don't usually let get back there. I'm going to have to feel it out."
McCann was put on the 15-day disabled list on April 25 (retroactive to April 23) while dealing with dryness and blurred vision in his left eye. It prevented him from wearing contact lenses.
McCann is hitting just .195 (8-for-41) in 13 games this season. He was 1-for-20 before going on the disabled list.
About the Author
Chris Vivlamore is the sports editor at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He has served as reporter and editor at the AJC since 2003.
