ATLANTA (AP) -Jeff Francoeur has been in a slump for nearly month. Maybe a night off will help.
The Braves right fielder wasn’t in the lineup for Tuesday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, replaced by Matt Diaz.
Francoeur put up solid numbers in April after a disappointing 2008 season, but he’s become a huge liability in the Atlanta lineup. Since May 10, he was hitting just .191 (18 of 94) with one homer and seven RBIs.
Coming off a 15-inning marathon the previous night, in which Francoeur went 1-for-5, manager Bobby Cox decided it was a good time to sit his right fielder.
“My legs are for sure feeling the effects,” Francoeur said.
The Braves also tweaked their lineup at first base. Pinch-hitting specialist Greg Norton got the start – his first action in the field all season – in place of Martin Prado, whose groin was a little sore. Regular first baseman Casey Kotchman is on the disabled list.
Norton planned to put some extra padding in his mitt to handle the throws of strong-armed shortstop Yunel Escobar.
irst time I’ve been on the field in 70 days, or whatever it’s been,” Norton said. “I’ve been taking my ground balls in (batting practice). I’ll just go out there and do the best I can.”
Norton came into the game with 43 plate appearances in 46 games – all as a pinch-hitter.
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