braves get big night from Mac

Jeff Francoeur returned to the Braves after being sent down to AA-Mississippi over the weekend, but it was buddy Brian McCann who stole the show launching two homeruns in the Braves 9-3 defeat of the Dodgers. Just one day earlier a very tired Atlanta team had been one hit by Hiroki Kuroda, but their bats came alive on Tuesday night including Mark Kotsay who had three hits in the game. Jair Jurrjens allowed just one earned run in six innings in the victory. This is most likely his final start until after the All-Star break.

Meanwhile, Mark Teixeira says he’s trying to keep his focus on baseball as rumors swirl about his future. The Red Sox maybe one of the many teams in the market for Big Tex’s services, but that move depends on how the Braves play out the next few weeks. A win last night was a huge boost, but can they continue to clean up in the next few days to head into the all-star break riding high? I pray so, especially over the weekend when they take on the Padres, but the team has not showed consistency, so it’s anybody's guess.

News&Notes: The Braves have signed pitcher Julian Tavarez. This will be Tavarez’s third team this season, but with eight pitchers on the DL, the Braves are pretty much desperate for some help…It will be a few more weeks before Tom Glavine will know if he will be able to rejoin the Braves pitching staff…Atlanta is currently seeking the services of a power hitting outfielder like maybe Jason Bay...Jeff Francoeur was unable to get to the ballpark in time for Monday night’s game, making Tuesday his first game back...Finally, Larry Brown Sports (via the Hot Clicks) has a funny Chipper Jones story.
(Photo: Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

It’s been fun blogging with you,
Kate