The Atlanta Braves might have an integral part of their lineup and defense on the field soon. Manager, Fredi Gonzalez, said Brian McCann should be back next week while the Braves are in Cincinnati playing against the Reds.
Just how long and when exactly will this be?
If he in fact does return to face the Reds, then McCann should be in the lineup any day between Monday, May 5-Wednesday, May 8. McCann will bring some relief to the now heavily right-handed Braves batting lineup. B.J. Upton, Andrelton Simmons, Justin Upton, Dan Uggla and Chris Johnson all bat right handed.
What Does this Mean for Gattis/Laird?
It is believed that the Braves will keep their two catchers and prefer to have three catchers on their roster. As it has been displayed, Evan Gattis can provide pop and also, play first base in cases of emergencies. Sending Gattis to the minors is not an option.
Laird on the other hand, is also not expendable because of the way he helps Julio Teharan. He's been handling the bat well also, hitting .333 in 27 at-bats driving in five runs and only striking out twice. With this catching combination, the Braves have received six home runs and 19 RBI in the first month of the year.
For the past two weeks, McCann has been rehabing. Not too long ago, he played a 10:30 a.m. game and caught the entire matchup. On Friday, he proved that his bat was working properly as he hit two home runs in the game.
McCann had spent some time out after recuperating from shoulder surgery over the winter. The Braves will look to reinstate McCann and hopefully get better as they are scuffling, though holding on to first pace in the N.L. East and posting one of the better records in baseball at 16-9.
