Tomahawk Chops: Daily Atlanta Braves News Clippings For Monday, April 9th

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

Hudson has pain-free three-inning outing | braves.com: News
Tim Hudson enjoyed three pain-free innings while pitching for Class A Rome against Charleston on Saturday night. The 36-year-old right-hander is aiming to rejoin the Braves' rotation during the series against the Pirates at the end of the month. Hudson allowed two runs (one earned) and four hits in three innings. Two of the four hits he surrendered were infield singles recorded by Dante Bichette Jr. "He felt great and now he'll go toward his next start," Atlanta manager Fredi Gonzalez said.

Livan quickly adjusting to relief role | braves.com: News
"I liked it and I warmed up fast," Hernandez said. "I was ready after like 20 pitches." Gonzalez confirmed Hernandez was ready shortly after being informed he could enter for Jair Jurrjens. "We gave him a heads up and he called within more than reasonable time to say, 'I'm ready,'" Gonzalez said.

Uh-oh: Braves swept in opening series against Mets | ajc.com
"You never want to get on that plane going someplace else after you lose a series or, [worse] yet, get swept," said manager Fredi Gonzalez, whose Braves were the first Atlanta team swept in a three-game season-opening series since 2003, when Montreal took three at Turner Field. "It’s hard to look for moral victories when you get swept," Braves left fielder Matt Diaz said. "So, no, it doesn’t feel any better. It almost stings worse, like, ‘Man, if we would have just done that earlier...’"

The last 0-3 start | Rowland's Office
In 2003 the Braves were swept at home in their opening series vs. the Expos, who outscored the local nine 17-2. They won their fourth game, 12-7, then lost 17-1 to the Fish (with Mad Dog on the mound). The Bravos lost the Hall of Famer-to-be’s next start, 16-2. Three days later Florida beat the Braves 12-5, dropping the home team’s record to 4-8. They finished the month 17-10 en route to 101 wins. I’m not comparing the two teams — the ’12 Braves have more talented arms, the ’03 Bravos stouter bats and, of course, a better manager. But it’s too early to freak out.

Atlanta Braves at New York Mets - April 8, 2012 | MLB.com ATL Recap
"We're fine," center fielder Michael Bourn said. "We've got good hitting and pitching and a good bullpen. We've got all facets of the game. As long as we're confident in each other, we'll be OK."

Atlanta Braves at Houston Astros - April 9, 2012 | MLB.com Preview
Braves catcher Brian McCann has decimated Astros pitching in his 14 career games at Minute Maid Park, hitting .341 with four home runs, 13 RBIs and a 1.056 OPS. He smacked two homers and drove in five runs in three games there last season.