The Braves' trade for center fielder Michael Bournon Sunday doesn't mean the end of Jose Constanza's major-league stay.
Braves manager Fredi Gonzalezsaid following Sunday's 3-l loss to the Marlins that Constanza would make the road trip and the two speedsters could be in the lineup Monday at Washington. The Braves open a three-game series against the Nationals.
Constanza had three hits Sunday and is batting .308 since being recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett when Nate McLouth went on the 15-day disabled list.
“I think there is a good chance you get both of those guys in the lineup together on this road trip,” Gonzalez said. “It will be fun to watch both of those guys run the bases. Constanza changes the game because you have to defend him. Now you have [Michael] Bourn. He is the same way. I’m looking forward to [Monday] lineup wise and maybe get them both in there.”
The Braves will make a roster move Monday to create a spot for Bourn, who will wear No. 24. They will likely move a relief pitcher off the roster and keep Constanza to back up Bourn whileMcLouth is out.
Moylan throws off mound
Peter Moylan's return from back surgery took another step Sunday when the reliever threw 15 pitches off the mound.
Moylan underwent surgery for a herniated disc on May 17th.
“It was just what I expected,” said Moylan, who estimated he threw at about 60 percent. “I didn’t let anything go but it was nice to get out there on the mound again.”
Moylan is scheduled for another throwing session on Tuesday as he travels with the Braves. Gonzalez said it will be part of a program aimed at getting Moylan back at the end of August or early September.
Jones feeling better
Chipper Jones' right leg felt better Sunday for the first time since having fluid drained from around his injured right quadriceps.
The veteran third baseman has been limited to pinch-hitting duties for six games since straining the quad on July 25 in his first game back from the 15-day disabled list. He'd been on the DL recovering from athroscopic knee surgery on the same leg.
The Braves hope to have him back in the lineup at some point during the three-game Washington series, the first of three legs on a nine-game trip that also includes a stop in New York to face the Mets before finishing in Florida against the Marlins.
