ESPN.com - MLB - Recap - Astros at Braves - 04/28/2002

Argh. The Braves lost to the Astros again, and it wasn't close. Well, it was for five innings, Albie Lopez pitching well, but when he hit the wall the pen wasn't able to pick him up. Nor was the offense; Andruw hit a homer with two out in the ninth for the Braves' only run. And Chipper left the game with a sprained thumb. The injuries are definitely becoming a concern.

The only good news is that Bobby has finally made the obvious offensive adjustment, moving Marcus Giles into the two spot and Andruw behind Chipper. Well, almost: he foolishly hit Castilla -- he of the .240 OBP -- between the Joneses. The Castillometer is in the planning stages. I have to wonder what will happen when -- if -- everyone is healthy. The Braves have lots of people who can play third base, and most of them are fighting for playing time at first and the outfield. Why would Helms and his power, or Surhoff and his on-base skills, have to sit on the bench when either could take Castilla's place?

The Braves get a day off before playing at Milwaukee for three games. Former Braves farmhand Ruben Quevedo (he was sent to the Cubs in the Mulholland trade; the Cubs sent him on for David Weathers, I believe) is supposed to start for the Brewers on Wednesday. And the other Brewers starters are familiar faces, former Met and Phillie Nelson Figueroa and former Met Glendon Rusch.