Braves DL McLouth, Recall Hicks To Fill In For Ailing Infante

by Jacob Peterson on Jun 12, 2010 1:25 PM EDT

With Nate McLouth still experiencing dizziness and headaches in the wake of ~~being hit by a truck~~ colliding with Jason Heyward in the outfield, the Braves decided to place him on the disabled list. They are calling up slick-fielding shortstop Brandon Hicks from AAA to take McLouth's roster spot. While they still have not said that Nate suffered a concussion, they are treating him very carefully nonetheless.

This seems like a wise course--you can't be too careful with head injuries. The worst thing we could do right now is rush Nate back like the Mets did with Ryan Church. For all the talk about "being tough" and playing through injuries, no one should ever be asked to play through a concussion. Church hasn't been the same player since, and I don't think it's a coincidence.

The Braves had initially planned on recalling Jordan Schafer from AAA to replace McLouth. In fact, they even announced that Schafer would be ready for Saturday's game in Minnesota. Despite his sub-par numbers at AAA, Schafer was going to be called up because he was the only healthy outfielder left on the Braves' 40-man roster (McLouth, Diaz, and Clevlen are all on the DL right now).

Those plans changed when Omar Infante fouled a ball off of his shin/ankle area in the 5th inning of last night's game. Infante will not need to go on the DL, but he will miss at least 1 game, and probably the rest of the Twins series. With Infante hurt, the Braves are left with only 1 healthy shortstop, so they decided to call up Hicks to be Yunel Escobar's backup at least until Infante is ready to go.

The 24-year-old Hicks is hitting just .211 / .294 / .292 with Gwinnett, but his stellar defense and pinch-running ability should make him a useful asset for as long as he is with the big club.

Schafer will continue to play every day in Gwinnett for the time being. When Infante is ready, the Braves may send Hicks back down and recall Schafer for OF depth. He would only be a 5th outfielder in that scenario, though; Frank Wren has said that Schafer would be used mainly as a defensive replacement and pinch-runner. Clearly the team thinks that Jordan is not all the way back from his wrist injury yet. The numbers back this up, as he is hitting just .213 / .253 / .270 with Gwinnett. Jordan is still only 23 years old, though, and has a good chance of helping the Atlanta team in 2011 and beyond.

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i officially anoint this road trip

the road trip of death

by atl192485 on Jun 12, 2010 1:41 PM EDT reply actions

Agreed

We are on the road that leads to hell.

by Creek Johnson on Jun 12, 2010 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions

If you think we have a bad road trip, just talk to Philly……….

Jason Heyward is the reason that Chuck Norris parks his car in a garage.

by Joseph_C on Jun 12, 2010 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Or Seattle.

by chezbergrur on Jun 12, 2010 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Or the Orioles.

Jason Heyward is the reason that Chuck Norris parks his car in a garage.

by Joseph_C on Jun 12, 2010 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions

It must be the trend of the season.

That along with super-prospects and perfect games.

by chezbergrur on Jun 13, 2010 1:31 AM EDT up reply actions

It's been a difficult road trip. But it's also bad management

Chavez loses the game in LA on sunday in extra innings while Billy Wagner didn’t pitch in the whole series. Then on Monday in a lost game Wagner pitches.

Resop can’t be worse than Chavez. Chavez has never pitched above average in AAA. Resop is fantastic right know. He could be a good ROOGY at least.

Why is Christian Martinez in the roster? Couldn’t they call Mike Dunn up?

Mclouth’s horrible play in CF cost the Braves another game. If he hadn’t gotten injured he would still be the starter, I don’t get it.

Mclouth’s injury couldn’t have come at a better time. The guy is one of the worst defenders in CF in the whole MLB. And his batting has left a lot to desire since August of last year.

by Alvaro Andres Pizza Varela on Jun 12, 2010 2:27 PM EDT reply actions

Really?

McLouth’s horrible play??? He freeken collided with another player. You know most fans would be happy that he was able to walk away from that, but apparently you just aren’t a good fan who can see things from a positive view point. We are going through our toughest stretch of the season it seems and we are still in first with only 2 games left on this tough road trip. I will agree on McLouth’s batting but are you seriously gonna say you would rather have Cabrera’s Defense over McLouth’s in CF? Here’s to hoping the Braves hold their slim lead and you become a better person my friend.

by AvoidTheDolphin on Jun 12, 2010 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Center Fielders MAKE THE CALL.

He didn’t make the call. This is not the first time Mclouth has been near to collide with Heyward. When a CF is bad, the other fielders don’t trust the capacity of the CF to make the play, so the RF or LF try to do the play themselves.

Once again. CF make the calls. They are in charge to AVOID what happened.

I’m not wishing bad things to Mclouth. He is just a bad player who I wish the best in his health, but I wish when he is back he doesn’t play as a starter in CF. He is a platoon LF, and Eric Hiske has that position filled right now.

Melky is mediocre to below average center fielder, but Mclouth is a worse fielder (compare the two in any defensive metric if you want) and Melky is the hot bat now. Since the start of May he is batting above .300 and over .350 OBP.

by Alvaro Andres Pizza Varela on Jun 12, 2010 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions

McCLouth can’t make the call, b/c he wasn’t for sure if he could get to it. The CF (nor any one) is suppose to call for the ball if he’s not sure if he can get to it. It’s neither McClouth’s nor Heyward’s fault that the collision happened. It was an unfortunate event that happened.

by dkinser86 on Jun 12, 2010 8:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Mclouth reached the ball.

He even went a little farther. The ball hit his forearm.

Also if neither could reach the ball, the smart move was to let it drop for a single.

The dumb thing was to collide and let the winning run to score.

And to wrap it up, instead of it being called an error, it was called an inside the parker.

by Alvaro Andres Pizza Varela on Jun 13, 2010 1:05 AM EDT up reply actions

Any eta on when Clevlen will be back healthy?

and I like the idea of DLing McLouth. When Infante is healthy, we can keep Hicks and let Schafer continue to get at bats since Infante can join Blanco backing up the OF. Plus this way McLouth gets rest, and some time/rehab to work on fixing his upper cut swing.

by Mr. Sanchez on Jun 12, 2010 2:32 PM EDT reply actions

Really why is Heyward in the starting lineup again?

Maybe his thumb is just fine but he is in a horrible slump, I know we faced a tough lefty yesterday but he has been struggling really ever since the Phillie series.

by bravesforever16 on Jun 12, 2010 4:06 PM EDT reply actions

I’ve been told that Hicks will only be there a few days, until Infante is ready to go again, then Schafer will fill in until McLouth comes back. So good call, pac.

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by cbwilk on Jun 12, 2010 4:12 PM EDT reply actions

Hicks has been struggling in the minors for the past two years since he had the breakout year in MB. There was a time where we thought he could a candidate for Chipper’s replacement. His defensive his great, but will he able to regain his 2008 offensive form?

by Braves24 on Jun 12, 2010 4:45 PM EDT reply actions

what about all the games we won?

good managing right? so there has been more good managing than bad managing imo.

by MacsGlasses on Jun 12, 2010 4:56 PM EDT reply actions

Is there a good Management?

Really? Find me a good manager who does all the easy things right. I’m fine w/bobby even though he does drive me crazy sometimes.

by Braves Biceps on Jun 12, 2010 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions

If you think not pitching Wagner a single inning vs a wild card rival like the Dodgers is good management

If you think leaving Kawakami for the 7th inning is good management.

If you think putting Jesse Chavez (even Chavez being in the roster is bad management) in a tied game in extra innings is good management.

If you think calling one of the worst relievers from AAA (Martinez) to be in the roster is good management.

ETC.
If you think relieving Medlen thrusday night in the 8th when there were 3 unlucky hits is good management. (And the game was almost lost in that inning)

by Alvaro Andres Pizza Varela on Jun 12, 2010 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions

If you think you know everything in 20/20 hindsight....

by Mr. Sanchez on Jun 12, 2010 7:39 PM EDT up reply actions

I was in disagreement of those calls in the moment they were taken.

Not after the damage was done.

It’s not about being right or wrong in the moment. It’s about percentages and probabilites. Maybe Chavez could have gotten an extra inning and given the offense another chance to win the game. But he is simply the worst reliever in the staff, so, the probabilities were low. The same with the other decisions.

by Alvaro Andres Pizza Varela on Jun 13, 2010 1:16 AM EDT up reply actions

You can have Frenchy back if you want...

Reyes, Thole, Wright, Beltran, Bay, Davis, Martinez, Tejada...

by Stephen Schmidt on Jun 12, 2010 5:07 PM EDT reply actions

Frenchy is a god compared to McLouth. Not to mention the contract is a million times better.

"(Jason Heyward) is like the Grim Reaper -- You know he's gonna get you, you just never know when or where."

by Scott Coleman on Jun 12, 2010 5:19 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I don't know about that

Mclouth has been horrible this year, but other than that he’s been a very useful player. Francoeur has sucked for a long time. Given the choice, I’d take McLouth anyday (even with his contract).

Reyes, Thole, Wright, Beltran, Bay, Davis, Martinez, Tejada...

by Stephen Schmidt on Jun 12, 2010 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Me too.

"Yeah, and I have an enchanted jock strap." -- Karl Karlson

by Jacob Peterson on Jun 12, 2010 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Disagree...

French can be declined arbitration after the year, McLouth will be owed $6.5 mil for next season with a $1.25m buyout for ’12. Give me the Frenchman, let Melky play CF backed up by Blanco, and French can platoon with Hinske in LF.

by Mr. Sanchez on Jun 12, 2010 7:43 PM EDT up reply actions

I wouldn't take any.

Both are among the worst in their respective positions.

by Alvaro Andres Pizza Varela on Jun 12, 2010 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Pills.

Take some.

"Brian McCann will be guest starring as Bizarro in Smallville this fall. See, he has to put his glasses on to become Superman." -by Rhyno18 on Aug 4, 2009 5:52 PM EDT

by Chopaholic on Jun 12, 2010 6:33 PM EDT up reply actions

If I had to take one, I'd take Francouer and convert him to pitcher.

He has a good arm.

by Alvaro Andres Pizza Varela on Jun 13, 2010 1:10 AM EDT up reply actions

I'd trade McLouth for French straight up

by Mr. Sanchez on Jun 12, 2010 7:40 PM EDT up reply actions

uh…no. No matter how bad McLouth is, I would rather have him than Franceour. At least, when McLouth is struggling, he acknowledges that the onus is on him. Franceour can never stuggle, according to himself.

by dkinser86 on Jun 12, 2010 8:50 PM EDT up reply actions

$$$$$$$$$...

and he is right handed, and plays better than McLouth right now. Wouldn’t hesitate to do that deal.

by Mr. Sanchez on Jun 12, 2010 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Road trip

It’s very hard to win on the Road. Just look at home/road splits around the league. Some of those close games that we lost might have been wins at home.

by Braves Biceps on Jun 12, 2010 5:07 PM EDT reply actions

I think it needs to be pointed out that Hicks was ejected from the AAA game last night, then called to the Majors. That’s kind of cool.

I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it: https://www.createspace.com/3407939
www.dropoutproductions.com

by cbwilk on Jun 12, 2010 5:22 PM EDT reply actions

Haha, sweet.

"Yeah, and I have an enchanted jock strap." -- Karl Karlson

by Jacob Peterson on Jun 12, 2010 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Bobby sees him argue with the umps, gets ejected, and says “Hmmmm…I like this guy. Call him up!”

"Tony Gwynn made sacrifices. Cal Ripken made sacrifices. I'm not sure Derek Jeter made sacrifices given the ungodly deep pockets the Yankees have." - Chipper Jones

by MBL1 on Jun 12, 2010 6:01 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I don't see the need to waste Schafer's time developing ...

so he can sit on a bench instead of Hicks. Yeah, he’s a natural OF, but we’ve got Blanco for that, and Infante to play if Hinske sees a tough lefty. I hope they keep JS down on the farm until he’s ready to come up for good.

by Mr. Sanchez on Jun 12, 2010 7:44 PM EDT up reply actions

HAPPY BIRTHDAY.....

….Ryan Klesko!!!!

"Tony Gwynn made sacrifices. Cal Ripken made sacrifices. I'm not sure Derek Jeter made sacrifices given the ungodly deep pockets the Yankees have." - Chipper Jones

by MBL1 on Jun 12, 2010 6:00 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Thanks~He was great and my favorite

Forgot about Klesko completely, wish we really still had him. I remember going to my first game and he impressed me so much and was my favorite Brave b/c he went all out and never, never got cheated at the dish. Is he not a cop in the San Diego area I thought that was what he wanted to do when he retired, lol ? Either way congrats Klesko and thanks MLB for the post.

by Holty_Panthers_Fan on Jun 12, 2010 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Hicks again ? My Goodness.

Man I understand that with Chipper ring finger and Infante’s injury we need bench depth but please Hicks again ? Why not Thurston ? Hello that is what we signed him for and Blanco starting in CF man forget the rest of this series Braves just need to get back to then Ted we have been on the road way, way to long.

I still upset that Schafer didn’t get the call, like Schafer as a player and I still feel that he is the leadoff hitter and CF that we need now in ATL. Melky is a great fill in but I would prefer for him to spell Diaz and Heyward on a regular basis and start more often at the corner OF spots.

Hicks c’mon Wren seriously, give me a break and Blanco in CF why not LF, he can play LF can he not ? He has done it before and he doesn’t have the arm to play in CF anyway.

Done chatting ~ D. Lowe just gave up a run so here goes game two of the series down the drain. Man can we get back to ATL plz.

by Holty_Panthers_Fan on Jun 12, 2010 7:36 PM EDT reply actions