NEW YORK — The accolades are starting to roll in for Jair Jurrjens, who was named National League pitcher on the month Thursday. It’s all part of the fun for the resurgent Jurrjens.
“The last time I won it I got a big TV,” said Jurrjens, smiling, referring to when he was named NL pitcher of the month in September 2009. “Fifty-two-inch TV, flat screen, too. I watch it every day, even play PlayStation on it. It’s nice. You see yourself. I look good on video games.”
He’s looking pretty good in real life as well, leading the majors with a 1.51 ERA entering his 10th start Saturday against the Mets and tied for second in wins with seven.
Jurrjens and the Braves traveled to New York on Thursday, so he didn’t know what gift he’ll receive for pitcher of the month. Something else that’s likely coming down the pike is his first invitation to an All-Star game.
Jurrjens had a 2.91 ERA at the All-Star break in 2009, but his record was 7-7, largely because of a lack of run support. That snub is not what’s driving him now, though, Jurrjens said.
“The thing that motivates me more was being in the playoffs last year not being able to perform,” said Jurrjens, who was lost for the season in September with torn cartilage in his knee. That really pushed me to try to get stronger and try to stay healthy for the rest of the season, be able to play in October. It stinks when you have to get on the plane to go to rehab and your team is playing.”
Kimbrel matches record
Craig Kimbrel has had his wobbly moments, as to be expected for a rookie closer, but he can look up with five weeks to go before the All-Star break and see a big number: He entered the Mets series with 16 saves.
That’s a record for a Braves rookie before the All-Star break — he blew past Rick Camp’s 10 in 1977 — and it’s tied with the Dodgers’ Yhency Brazoban (2005) for the National League rookie record at 16.
Jonathan Papelbon holds the major league record with 26 saves before the break in 2006 with the Red Sox.
“It’s cool,” said Kimbrel, who got his 16th save in 20 chances Wednesday against the Padres. “... It’s still pretty cool to me to even have the chance. As early in my career as I am just to have Fredi [Gonzalez] have the confidence in letting me go out there day in and day out — that’s pretty cool.”
Gonzalez originally planned to split closing duties between Kimbrel and Jonny Venters, but he sent Kimbrel out to save the season-opening game in Washington and has stuck with him ever since.
Lineup watch
Gonzalez said he plans to catch Brian McCann all three games of the Mets weekend series since each of the three games are night games. He plans to give McCann the night off Tuesday in the series-opener in Florida to give him back-to-back days of rest, including Monday’s scheduled off day.
He also planned to give Chipper Jones the night off Sunday against the Mets, so he’ll have back-to-back days off, including Monday, to rest his various ailments (sore right knee, left groin tweak). Gonzalez’s concern is not to have both Jones and McCann out of the lineup on the same day, something he has done only once this season, in a game May 4 against the Brewers, which the Braves won 8-3.
Jason Heyward, Nate McLouth and Kris Medlen all traveled to Orlando rather than joining the team in New York to continue their rehabilitation in extended spring training. Heyward is eligible to come off the disabled list Tuesday, but isn’t close to returning. He is continuing to build strength in his right shoulder, but has yet to pick up a bat yet.
