Brian McCann caught five innings for the Braves' Triple-A affiliate on Saturday, went 1 for 3 at the plate with a homer, and announced himself fit to return to the Atlanta lineup after the game. With that the Braves activated McCann from the disabled list on Sunday morning and the All-Star catcher will be batting third in the lineup today in the series finale against the Cubs.
McCann missed 16 games after suffering an oblique injury on July 26 while throwing down to second base on an attempted steal. McCann had hoped to return to the lineup on Friday night which would have been the first day he was eligible. The Braves however, elected to send McCann on the rehab assignment just to make sure that he was ready to return to action.
McCann's activation was one of a flurry of roster moves made by the Braves Sunday morning. In addition to McCann, Atlanta also activated reliever Scott Linebrink from the disabled list. To make room on the active roster, the Braves placed Tommy Hanson on the disabled list and optioned Anthony Varvaro back to Gwinnett.