Chris Johnson was out of the lineup Thursday due to the low-back strain he suffered the previous night. The third baseman does not expect to miss any more games.
Johnson left Wednesday’s game against the Pirates with the injury. Phil Gosselin started in his place as the Braves played their final home game of the season.
“It feels better,” Johnson said. “I got it adjusted last night and got some treatment. I’m going to get today off and (manager Fredi Gonzalez) said I will be back in there tomorrow.”
Johnson said he has received extensive treatment including stretching, ice and an alignment. Gonzalez also said he expects Johnson to be back in the lineup when the Braves begin the final series of the season Friday at the Phillies.
“I didn’t know what to make of it,” Johnson said of his first bout with back trouble. “That’s why I came out of the game and got some treatment quick on it. Now I know to keep that in the back of my mind and make sure I’m taking care of my lower back.”
In other injury news, Evan Gattis started at catcher but Gonzalez planned for him to catch a maximum of six innings as he returns from strep throat and kidney stones. Gonzalez said the plan is for Gattis to catch a full game in one of the final three contests.
