Kelly Johnson called up from Richmond, Matt Childers designated for assignment
Change is in the air and relief is on the way for Braves fans frustrated by the abominable production of their outfielders this season! Left-handed outfielder Kelly Johnson was called up from Richmond after Saturday night’s game. To make room on the roster for him, the Braves designated pitcher Matt Childers for assignment.
Bobby Cox revealed after Sunday’s game that he plans to start Kelly Johnson in left field on a regular basis. 
Ryan Langerhans and Brian Jordan will platoon in right field though Jordan will spell Johnson in left on occasion. Kelly Johnson was hitting .310 with eight homers, 22 RBIs and seven stolen bases for Triple-A Richmond before the call-up. He also owned the best on-base percentage in the International League so he should provide a big boost to the top of the Braves order (Chipper was moved to the clean-up spot Sunday to make room for Johnson in the 3rd spot in the batting order).
This likely spells the end of Raul Mondesi’s career as a Brave and likely his career, period. The Braves have given him until Tuesday, the day Mike Hampton is due to be activated from the disabled list, to decide if he wants to accept a reserve role. The Braves are likely hoping he’ll retire so they won’t him all of his salary but it’s more likely he’ll be released.
While I hate to see it come to this for Raul, it is the right move to make. It’d be exciting to see Kelly Johnson and Ryan Langerhans become new stars for the Braves. I remember watching Chipper at Bolles high school in Jacksonville and knew he was going to be a star, and I became a Braves fan because of him. I’d like to see another young star stick around and be as good as Chip has for the Braves.
Comment by Matt Burris — May 30, 2005 @ 2:13 am