SAN FRANCISCO -- While many were wondering why he wasn't being used in Thursday's 12-inning loss to the Dodgers, Braves left-handed reliever Jonny Venters was pestering pitching coach Roger McDowell to let him know that he felt he was healthy enough to pitch.
"We have to use him soon because he's going to kill Roger or [head athletic trainer Jeff Porter]," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said a few hours before allowing Venters to produce a perfect eighth inning in Friday night's 4-1 win over the Giants.
Venters played catch Friday afternoon and informed the Braves medical staff that he wasn't feeling any of the upper left arm soreness that he's felt over the past couple weeks. When he complained about it again after Tuesday's 27-pitch appearance against the Dodgers, the Braves decided to rest him Wednesday and Thursday.
"He told Roger that he felt good to go," Gonzalez said. "I think those two days off helped him. We'll keep an eye on him."
Gonzalez said he likely won't ask Venters to make any multi-inning appearances any time soon. But the medical staff has assured him that the left-handed setup man isn't dealing with any structural issues.
"It's a muscle," Gonzalez said. "It's not a structural thing. It's not an elbow or shoulder. It kind of moves around a little bit. Some days it's the biceps and some days it's the triceps. They're not really concerned."
Venters' performance hasn't been affected by the discomfort. The 26-year-old southpaw has allowed just one earned run and two hits in the 10 2/3 innings he has pitched this year.
"I think it was just something that needed a couple days of not throwing at all," Venters said. "It's nothing serious. It's just sore. But it never had a chance to get better."
Braves getting by without backup center fielder
SAN FRANCISCO -- When the Braves optioned Matt Young to Triple-A Gwinnett on Friday, they created the chance to spend the next week with a 13-man pitching staff. At the same time, they lost their only true backup center fielder.
Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said Friday afternoon that he would likely use Martin Prado in center field if a situation arises where Nate McLouth has to leave a game within the week. Gonzalez indicated the club will likely return to a 12-man pitching staff by the start of next weekend's homestand against the Cardinals.
If he isn't replacing a player that has been placed on the disabled list, Young will have to remain in the Minors for at least 10 days. This could open the door for the Braves to promote Joe Mather, who entered Friday having hit .304 with a homer in 13 games with Gwinnett.
Freeman relishes playing in hometown area
SAN FRANCISCO -- After losing his wife Rosemary to melanoma 11 years ago, Fred Freeman assumed the responsibility of being a single parent and continued to allow his youngest son, Freddie, to pursue his passion for baseball in their hometown of Fountain Valley, Calif., which is located about 40 minutes south of downtown Los Angeles.
With the Braves at Dodger Stadium this past week, the elder Freeman had the opportunity to see his son shine in front of friends and family members. The Braves' rookie first baseman hit a pair of homers and added a double during the four-game series against the Dodgers.
This was the first time since being selected by the Braves in the second round of the 2007 First-Year Player Draft that the 21-year-old Freeman played in his native state of California.
"He was just proud," said Freeman of his father, who is an accountant. "I think he would have been the same way if I had gone 0-fer every game. He was just happy to see me. Usually it's him having to fly cross-country to come see me. For me to be able to come home finally, it puts less stress on him, especially during tax season. It allows him to take his mind off work."
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