The Braves designated third baseman Juan Francisco for assignment to make room for left-hander Alex Wood on the roster. Francisco had been playing in a platoon at third base with Chris Johnson, so this move clears the way for Johnson to play third in an every-day role.
Johnson entered Thursday’s game with a .346 batting average, tops on the team, and 15 multi-hit games to lead the Braves as well. Johnson said he’ll keep the same mindset in an expanded role as he has all along – to play within himself.
“That’s what I’ve done since Day 1, even with the platoon,” Johnson said. “Not trying to outshine anybody, not trying to do more than I can do. I’m going out there and trying to help the team win and get on base and let some of these big boys drive me in and play the best defense that I can.”
Francisco had continued to struggle despite adjustments the Braves have been trying to implement with his mechanics since last season. After hitting a grand slam May 8 in Cincinnati, Francisco had gone 5-for-33 (.152) with 15 strikeouts.
Francisco has enticing power – he has five home runs this season – and he has already drawn interest from several other clubs, Braves general manager Frank Wren said. The Braves have 10 days to try to trade him, ask outright waivers or release him.
