As the Atlanta Braves continue to struggle on the field, there is an unusual sign of disharmony among the team’s most established veterans.
Chipper Jones was back in the lineup Saturday, saying he felt pressured by pitcher John Smoltz to rush back from a groin injury.
“Let’s just say there are people who don’t believe me,” Jones said. “Let’s just say that and leave it at that.”
After Friday night’s 5-0 loss to the Tigers, Smoltz said, “You can’t worry about who’s in the lineup and who isn’t. You can’t worry about that stuff anymore.”
Smoltz didn’t identify Jones as a player not in the lineup, but Jones said after Saturday’s game that he got the message.
“I’d be stupid if I didn’t take it the same way,” Jones said, adding he planned to “play the rest of the games this year and do whatever I can. Somebody I know better not miss a start.”
Twins: Minnesota slugger Justin Morneau is scheduled to undergo another round of X-rays and blood tests as a precaution today before being released from a hospital following treatment for a bruised right lung.
White Sox: Chicago put center fielder Darin Erstad back on the 15-day disabled list because of a sore ankle and activated Scott Podsednik from the DL.
Phillies: Right-hander Jon Lieber is out indefinitely because of a ruptured tendon in his foot.
