ATLANTA — Dexter Fowler remembers the first time he met Jason Heyward. He was masquerading as a kid.
“A coach brought him over when he was in eighth grade and said, ‘Here’s your twin,’ ” the Rockies’ center fielder recalled. “He was as big as me and four years younger.”
Heyward, who collected two hits in the Braves’ seven-run second inning Friday night, has electrified Atlanta in a way not seen since the days of Deion Sanders or Michael Vick. When the 20-year-old was introduced Friday, he received the second- loudest ovation, behind only Chipper Jones.
The Braves’ right fielder has shocked baseball with his prowess — 12 RBIs in his first nine games — but not Fowler. The pair worked out together in Atlanta this winter, using the same hitting instructor they have had since their days in the famed East Cobb Atlanta youth program.
“We just hang out like friends. It’s good to be around someone with similar goals and desire,” said Heyward, who goes 6-feet-4 and weighs roughly 235 pounds, compared to Fowler’s 6-5, 190 pounds. Added Fowler, “I told him what I have gone through, my experience. But he doesn’t need much help.”
Hawpe, Helton, CarGo: Oh, my.
Right fielder Brad Hawpe returned to the starting lineup Friday after missing two starts because of a tight left quadriceps. He was surprised how quickly his leg recovered and believes his healthier diet helped.
“It didn’t hurt, that’s for sure,” Hawpe said. “I was worried, but not anymore.”
Todd Helton didn’t fly with the team to Atlanta because of his stomach bug. But he improved significantly Friday and was in the lineup. Helton, who hung out with his brother Rodney before the game, has six career home runs at Turner Field.
Carlos Gonzalez (left hamstring) is likely to start today following another successful running session.
Beimel’s role.
Reliever Joe Beimel gives the bullpen added versatility as a third left-hander whom manager Jim Tracy feels comfortable using against right-handers.
“I didn’t agree with the decision to be in the minors, but I wasn’t going to whine about it. I had a job to do,” said Beimel, who was added to the 40-man roster when Taylor Buchholz was shifted to the 60-day disabled list.
Footnotes.
Closer Huston Street (shoulder) threw 60 tosses on flat ground from 70 feet. . . . Buchholz, who is not expected to return to the big leagues until early June, will pitch in a simulated game today. . . . Jeff Francis (pain under left armpit) will throw off a mound Sunday or Monday.
