Bonifacio remains in leadoff spot, B.J. bats eighth

SEATTLE – Although center fielder B.J. Upton was back in the Braves lineup Wednesday, Emilio Bonifacio stayed in the leadoff spot for a second consecutive game as manager Fredi Gonzalez sought a spark for a moribund offense.

It was first time since June 22 that Upton batted anywhere but the leadoff position, and first time since May 21 that he hit lower than second.

“I think you have to try to do something, nothing too drastic,” said Gonzalez, whose Braves batted .229 and totaled 15 runs during a seven-game losing skid before Wednesday, including two runs or fewer in five of their past six games.

Bonifacio, acquired from the Cubs in a trade last week, started in place of Upton in center field and in the leadoff spot in Tuesday’s series opener against the Mariners, and went 1-for-4 with one of the four hits the Braves got in eight innings against Seattle ace Felix Hernandez.

A day later, Bonifacio moved to left field as Justin Upton shifted to designated hitter for the Wednesday’s interleague series finale.

Gonzalez said the Braves would “mess around” some with the leadoff spot and utilize Bonifacio in several positions. The speedy veteran has plenty of experience at all three outfield spots and every infield position except first base.

“Move him around a little bit,” said Gonzalez, who compared Bonifacio to former Brave Martin Prado. “He’s one of those guys you can play in different spots. He’s almost better that way than just sticking him at third base or sticking him in left field.”