Kelly Johnson has been hot for the Braves in recent weeks, and in turn he has had a consistent pretense in the lineup. Unfortunately, Johnson left Wednesday’s contest in Cincinnati in the first inning with a right oblique strain. While initial reports indicated he was day-to-day, the Braves have decided to play it safe and place him on the 15-Day DL. Johnson leads the club with 6 Home Runs and owns a .259 batting average. The former Baby Brave has been the club’s most pleasant surprise since making the team as a non-roster invite out of spring training. In a corresponding move, the Braves have called up Todd Cunningham from AAA Gwinnett. Cunningham was a candidate for a roster spot coming out of spring training when he hit .306, but the team opted to keep him in the minors. He had a cup of tea in the majors back in 2013, but only saw 8 at-bats. Cunningham can play multiple outfield positions and the time is now for him to make an impression on Manager Fredi Gonzalez, as Eric Young Jr. has struggled mightily this season. He is hitting .286 with no home runs and 11 RBI in AAA so far this season. Johnson’s power in the lineup will be missed. Expect an expanded role for Jonny Gomes in left in the next couple weeks, and some starts for Eric Young Jr. and Todd Cunningham as well.
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