The Braves recalled outfielder Jose Constanza from Triple-A Gwinnett after Friday’s game for some desperately needed help in the outfield. All three of the Braves starting outfielders are nursing muscle strains.
Jason Heyward left Thursday’s game with a strained right hamstring, and both B.J. Upton (right adductor) and Justin Upton (left calf) left Friday night’s game with injuries as well. All three will be evaluated on Saturday, which is when the Braves will announce a corresponding roster move.
Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez pointed out it doesn’t necessarily have to be a move to the disabled list, especially if they feel all three of those outfielders could be ready to return by the time the Braves get back from the All-Star break July 19 in Chicago against the White Sox. The Braves could choose to option a pitcher instead.
“We’re going to talk through some different scenarios, some situations and some different options we could have to get a body up here tomorrow,” Gonzalez said.
Constanza, who is already on the Braves 40-man roster, went 2-for-5 with a stolen base Friday night for Gwinnett in Durham. He is hitting .260 in 63 games on the season, with five doubles, three triples, 13 RBIs and 17 steals. This is his first major league call-up of the 2013 season. The speedy outfielder played 79 major league games with the Braves over the past two seasons.
