Left hamstring tightness forced Braves center fielder Ender Inciarte to leave Friday’s game in the first inning.
Inciarte said the hamstring still was sore on Friday after he tweaked it during Wednesday’s game but that he told manager Fredi Gonzalez he wanted to try to play after the team was off on Thursday. Inciarte, the lead-off hitter, pulled up just before reaching first base on Cardinals shortstop Jedd Gyorko’s throwing error.
Inciarte spent a month on the disabled list with the Diamondbacks last season after injuring his right hamstring. He said he believes he avoided serious injury this time and hopes he can return to the lineup within a few days.
“I feel like I was able to stop before it popped,” Inciarte said. “I depend on my legs so it’s frustrating that I’ve been having hamstring issues since last year. It’s a different leg but hopefully it’s not going to be that bad.”
Drew Stubbs came off the bench to run for Inciarte and then took his place in center field.
The Braves acquired Inciarte as part of a trade with the the Diamondbacks in December. He’s projected to be their regular center fielder and lead-off hitter.
