Manager Fredi Gonzalez said he has no plans to change the current lineup during the Braves’ post-All-Star Game struggles. That includes moving Tommy La Stella from the No. 2 spot in the batting order.
La Stella is just 2-for-20 (.100) with two RBIs in the first five games since moving back to the No. 2 spot. He batted there again Saturday when the Braves hosted the Padres. Gonzalez adjusted the lineup to move La Stella back to the top part of the order after Evan Gattis returned from the disabled list Monday.
“It’s only (20) at-bats,” Gonzalez said. “He has hit (second) before in the minor leagues. I see good at-bats. I’m not looking to make any drastic changes. I might give somebody a breather here and there.”
The Braves, as a team, have struggled since the All-Star break. They had lost four of five games headed into Saturday’s contest and are 3-5 since the break.
La Stella has hit safely in 33 of his 51 games, including 16 multi-hit games, since being recalled from Triple-A earlier this season. He hit seventh in 18 of the 19 games before being moved back to the second spot. In those 18 games, La Stella was 22-for-64 (.344).
