The Braves fell to the Cubs last night 3-0 in Atlanta to close out a quick 2-game series. The Braves had no success in solving Chicago starting pitcher Rich Hill, who allowed only 4 hits across 8 scoreless innings. It’s now on the road for the beginning of a 9-game road trip—1st of 3 against the division rival Mets is this evening in New York.
Braves officials are breathing a sigh of relief concerning their bullpen. Reliever Mike Gonzalez had an M-R-I on his left elbow, which showed only a bit of inflammation and no ligament damage. Through spring training and into the early part of the season, Gonzalez has not been as dominating as last season with Pittsburgh. In 2006, he recorded 24 saves in 24 chances with the Pirates. Gonzalez expects to miss only a few games to rest the elbow. He blames the elbow problems on the cold conditions the team has played in recently.
Missing Braves utility-infielder Willy Aybar has been found—in Boston. The team suspended Aybar indefinitely for failing to show for treatment on his sprained right hand. Two days ago, Aybar’s agent told the Braves that his client was heading to Boston to join his brother, and begin treatment for a substance abuse problem. Aybar is now also scheduled to meet with Major League Baseball officials. Last July, Aybar was acquired in a trade with Los Angeles. The plan was to have him serve as the primary backup to Chipper Jones at 3rd base.
