Tomahawk Chops: Daily Atlanta Braves News Clippings For Monday, April 30th

Your one-page daily morning overview of Atlanta Braves news:

Braves happy to get their "bulldog" Hudson back | Atlanta Braves
"Everybody was pumped up," said left fielder Martin Prado, who drove in what turned out to be the winning run on a home run in the seventh. "He is one of those guys who goes out there and performs and gives everything he has and gives you a chance. He kept us in the game. He’s a battle guy. We love to have him back."

Braves quotes after Sunday win over Pirates | Atlanta Braves
Tim Hudson: "My cutter was pretty good today. Nothing was great, but my cutter was pretty good, especially in on lefties. My location on my fastball wasn’t exactly how I wanted it but it was good enough. Between that and mixing in some curveballs and mixing in some splits, I was able to just keep them off-balance just enough and locate just enough. It wasn’t a great day from me stuff wise, but I feel like it’s a step better than it was last time out in my rehab start."

Hudson wins in return; Braves in 1st-place tie | Atlanta Braves
The inning began with Pedro Alvarez’s single over the head of rookie shortstop Tyler Pastornicky, who mistimed his jump after losing the ball in what he said was a "glare" above the low backstop wall. Pastornicky had a similar incident Saturday night, again on a second-inning single (Rod Barajas) that began a two-run Pirates. That ball deflected off the shortstop’s glove. "It’s tough because the back wall there is not very tall," Pastornicky said, "… so the seats start early, and it’s like a whole bunch of white [shirts]. I have to get low to see the ball off the bat. Up in this area it’s tough to see during the day; at night it’s tough too, but definitely during the day it’s tough to see."

Pastornicky’s confidence is on the rise | Atlanta Braves
"The guys on the team have been awesome, comforting me and letting me know that I am good enough to be here," Pastornicky said. "It’s something where I’ve got to get comfortable with that fact. It’s been a lot better. I don’t think it was really anything physical or mechanically. I think it was getting comfortable up there again. Once that started to happen, you get your swagger back."

McCann back in lineup, along with Chipper | braves.com: News
"I don't think I can re-injure it doing anything," McCann said. "It's just a matter of dealing with a little twinge." Chipper Jones was also back in the lineup Sunday after pinch-hitting in Saturday's 4-2 loss, which was his 2,400th game. The third baseman is battling continued soreness in his left knee after having arthroscopic surgery during Spring Training.

Chipper's soreness could limit his playing time | braves.com: News
The Braves' third baseman has been battling what he describes as "arthritic pain" in the lower inside part of his surgically repaired left knee. "I don't know what the prognosis is, and I don't know why it is hurting the way it is," Jones said. "But if it continues to affect me the way that it is, then I can't go out there and play nine innings." While there may be a point where Jones must go on the disabled list, the Braves are prepared for the likelihood that he will not be able to play more than three consecutive games. This has been the case since he returned to the lineup on April 10, two weeks after undergoing surgery to repair torn meniscus in his left knee.

Gearrin sent to Minors; Kimbrel left holding bag | braves.com: News
Craig Kimbrel is back to having to carry the "goody" bag out to the Braves' bullpen despite being the reigning National League Rookie of Year. Kimbrel, who saved 46 games last season, became the least-senior member of the relief corps when Cory Gearrin was optioned back to Triple-A Gwinnett to make room for Tim Hudson to come off the disabled list for Sunday's start.

Braves giving Delgado opportunity to adjust | braves.com: News
Randall Delgado's spot in the Braves' rotation seems secure -- at least for the time being -- despite his recent rocky outings. "The little I know him from last year and all this year, he's going to be OK," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "He's going to use these last two outings as an experience and a builder and keep going forward."

Heyward's speed a surprise perk for Braves | braves.com: News
"My goal was to run more," said the outfielder, who dropped weight in the offseason. "I ran a lot this winter, did a lot of sprint work. I think I'm faster."