Shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria was scratched from the Braves’ lineup Thursday after feeling left oblique tightness during batting practice. The team said the decision was precautionary.
Hechavarria, re-signed last month as month as infield depth, is the second player to be scratched just before a game this week, joining first baseman Freddie Freeman.
“He felt a little something in his batting practice, and we’re not going to take any chances,” manager Brian Snitker said. “He played yesterday. I wanted to try to get him back-to-back days. We’ll just watch him for a couple days. I just don’t want somebody pulling an oblique or anything like that. He tweaked it, and I’m glad he said something.”
The 30-year-old was a surprise contributor to last season’s club after he was claimed off waivers in August. He hit .328 with four homers and 15 RBIs in 24 games with the Braves.
Dansby Swanson was plugged in at shortstop in Hechavarria’s place, hitting an RBI double that helped the Braves defeat the Cardinals 3-1.
