Braves News World

Braves starting pitcher John Thomson started a minor league rehab assignment Monday, pitching two scoreless innings for the Braves’ rookie league team in the Gulf Coast League. He gave up 1 hit and notched 3 strikeouts. Thomson has missed the past 9 weeks due to a flexor tendon injury in the middle finger of his pitching hand. He next rehab start is scheduled to take place Friday night for the Class A Rome Braves. After that, he’ll make at least one start at Triple-A Richmond before re-joining Atlanta around mid-August (if everything goes as planned). With Mike Hampton still ailing, Thomson’s return couldn’t have come at a better time!

Braves catcher Johnny Estrada had his suspension for arguing with umpire Doug Eddings shortened from 3 games to 2 games and his $5,000 fine reduced to $3,500. Estrada started serving the suspension with Wednesday night’s game. The timing was fortuitous as it was already doubtful that he would play during the rest of the Nationals series due to a recurrence of the back strain he suffered as a result of his collision with Darin Erstad of the Los Angeles Angels. Brayan Pena has been called up to serve as backup to Brian McCann who will be the Braves’ primary catcher while Estrada is unavailable. Pena will likely be sent back to Richmond to make room for a replacement for injured starting pitcher Mike Hampton once Estrada has served his suspension.