Pendleton still out with back pain

Braves first-base coach Terry Pendleton missed his seventh consecutive game Wednesday due to back pain caused by sciatica, an irritation of the sciatic nerve. Assistant hitting coach Scott Fletcher has handled first-base coaching duties in his absence.

Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said Pendleton had been at the ballpark each day this week, but not suited up for games. Gonzalez said his condition had improved some Tuesday and that Pendleton was no longer walking “like Quasimodo” and might be back in uniform for Wednesday’s game.

But after working some at the ballpark in the afternoon, Pendleton changed back into his street clothes before the game, not yet ready to return to his in-game duties.