Michael Bourn Injury: Braves OF out with sore thumb

Braves outfielder Michael Bourn missed his second straight game on Tuesday with a sore left thumb. Bourn had the injury examined on Monday by the team's hand specialist where it was determined that there was no structural damage. He is eyeing a return to the lineup for Wednesday's game. Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez talked about the injury:

"Nothing structurally there, no ligament damage, no broken bones, just sore, but he is getting better...We're shooting for tomorrow."

Bourn suffered the injury on Saturday while sliding into second base against the Phillies. Atlanta has benefitted when Bourn is in the lineup and playing well. The free agent to be is hitting .274 with nine homers and 56 RBIs on the season. After hitting above .300 for most of the season, Bourn has slumped of late batting just .250 in July, .243 in August and so far just .203 in September. Reed Johnson started in place of Bourn Tuesday night against the Marlins.