Chipper Jones is expected to be activated from the 15-day disabled list and inserted into the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against the Houston Astros. The news couldn't get any better for the Braves who need anything positive after starting the season 0-4 for the first time since 1988.
Jones had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee 15 days ago but apparently impressed Braves officials enough with his workout on Monday to avoid going on a rehab assignment to the minor leagues.
"I would have gone down [to the minor leagues] for a couple of at-bats, and I just thought it was a waste of time because six at-bats in the minors isn't going to help me be on 95 [mph fastballs] when I get back up here," Jones said. "They might as well just throw me back into the fire. And ultimately, Fredi and [general manager] Frank [Wren] left it up to me."
As bad as the Braves have been with timely hitting, Atlanta may be missing Jones' defense at third base much more. Juan Francisco was charged with three errors in Monday's loss against the Astros.
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