Military honored at Turner Field
Military honored at Turner Field Atlanta first baseman Mark Teixeira (pictured) and the Braves welcomed Capt. Joseph Anthony of the U.S. Army to Turner Field before Friday night’s game against the Astros at Turner Field. Anthony was the honorary captain.

Braves Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

Minutes after Mark Teixeira struck out with the bases loaded in Wednesday’s 7-3 loss to the Phillies, Jeff Francoeur was in the indoor batting cage, working desperately on his swing.

Francoeur had himself left the bases loaded when he grounded into a 6-4-3 double play in the sixth inning. And while that allowed Teixeira to score from third base, Francoeur didn’t get an RBI.

Asking manager Bobby Cox about Francoeur’s struggles produces only irritation, no mater how the subject is broached: “What about him?” Cox snapped as Francoeur made his way to the cage. “He’s working every day. We’re not here to talk about Frenchy, OK? We just lost the damn ballgame.”

Cox isn’t about to bench Francoeur, no matter how dismal his batting average with runs in scoring position: a…

Hampton making way back to Braves
Hampton making way back to Braves Barring an unforeseen setback — and there have been many in his injury-plagued career — Mike Hampton is two Minor League rehab starts away from rejoining the Braves. Hampton, on the DL since April 3 with a strained left pectoral muscle, will make his fourth rehab start Saturday when he pitches for Class A-Advanced Myrtle Beach.

Perry makes big league debut
Braves‘ Perry makes big league debut Jason Perry, who hails from nearby Jonesboro, was recalled from Triple-A Richmond on Friday after the Braves optioned struggling right fielder Jeff Francoeur to Double-A Mississippi. Perry was in the Braves‘ starting lineup, batting eighth and playing right field, during Friday night’s series opener against the Astros.

Rockies overcome 9-run deficit in runfest with Marlins
The blasts returned to Coors Field on Friday night long before the fireworks. In a throwback to the pre-humidor days, Colorado …

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Hudson leads way in Braves victory
Hudson leads way in Braves victory Tim Hudson pitched seven strong innings and the Braves snapped a five-game losing streak with a 6-2 win over the Astros on Friday night at Turner Field.

Braves send RF Francoeur to minors (PA SportsTicker)
The Atlanta Braves on Friday sent slumping right fielder Jeff Francoeur to Class AA Mississippi of the Southern League.

Braves send Jeff Francoeur back to Double-A
Slumping Atlanta Braves outfielder Jeff Francoeur was sent to the minors to work on his hitting, with his average having dropped …

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Braves option Francoeur to Double-A
Braves option Francoeur to Double-A Looking to get Jeff Francoeur’s swing back on track, the Braves optioned the outfielder to Double-A Mississippi, where he is expected to join the lineup for Friday night’s game against Chattanooga.

Braves send Jeff Francoeur back to Double-A
Slumping Atlanta Braves outfielder Jeff Francoeur was sent to the minors to work on his hitting, with his average having dropped to .234. Francoeur was booed at home Thursday night when he went 0-for-4. He hit .206 in June and is 1-for-12 in three games this month.

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Braves‘ offense can’t support Jurrjens
Braves‘ offense can’t support Jurrjens Jair Jurrjens surrendered a season-high three homers in a 4-1 loss to the Phillies at Turner Field on Thursday night as Philadelphia completed the sweep.

Braves option Francoeur to Double-A
Braves option Francoeur to Double-A Looking to get Jeff Francoeur’s swing back on track, the Braves optioned the outfielder to Double-A Mississippi, where he is expected to join the lineup for Friday night’s game against Chattanooga.

Braves set new benchmarks after sweep
Braves set new goals after sweep Having been swept by the Phillies and fallen seven games back of the division lead, the Braves have established a new goal as they ready themselves to face the Astros: get to .500 by the All-Star break.

Glavine sees progress, hopes to return
Glavine sees progress, hopes to return If Tom Glavine’s left elbow cooperates, he would like to return to the Braves this season. But if it doesn’t, he will likely undergo surgery to give him the chance of pitching next year.

Braves Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

Minutes after Mark Teixeira struck out with the bases loaded in Wednesday’s 7-3 loss to the Phillies, Jeff Francoeur was in the indoor batting cage, working desperately on his swing.

Francoeur had himself left the bases loaded when he grounded into a 6-4-3 double play in the sixth inning. And while that allowed Teixeira to score from third base, Francoeur didn’t get an RBI.

Asking manager Bobby Cox about Francoeur’s struggles produces only irritation, no mater how the subject is broached: “What about him?” Cox snapped as Francoeur made his way to the cage. “He’s working every day. We’re not here to talk about Frenchy, OK? We just lost the damn ballgame.”

Cox isn’t about to bench Francoeur, no matter how dismal his batting average with runs in scoring position: a…

Prado goes from DL to starting lineup
Prado goes from DL to starting lineup An hour after getting activated from the 15-day disabled list, Martin Prado found himself starting at second base for the Braves on Thursday.

A’s snap White Sox’s 7-game win streak behind Duchscherer
Justin Duchscherer pitched seven solid innings, Jack Cust and Donnie Murphy homered and the Oakland Athletics beat Chicago 3-2 …

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D’backs sting Brewers with six runs in ninth inning
Conor Jackson hit the winning two-run single as the Arizona Diamondbacks rallied from a five-run ninth-inning deficit to defeat …

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Hamels, Phillies complete another sweep in Atlanta (AP)

After Cole Hamels fell one out shy of his bid for a second shutout of the Braves this season, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel’s emphasis turned to protecting the young left-hander for the rest of the year. Hamels, who earned his first career shutout against the Braves on May 15, gave up his only run with two outs in the ninth, and Philadelphia beat the Braves 4-1 on Thursday night to complete its…

Braves activate infielder Prado from DL (AP)
The Braves activated infielder Martin Prado from the disabled list Thursday and optioned infielder Brent Lillibridge to Triple-A Richmond. Manager Bobby Cox listed Prado as the starter at second base against the Phillies, but he watched Prado take batting practice before announcing the move. Prado missed 55 games since he was placed on the disabled list on May 5 with a sprained left thumb.

All-Star nod will affirm Hamilton’s climb from addiction depths
Josh Hamilton says the drug demons try to nudge him awake when he sleeps. They pester him when he’s alone, waiting for that moment …

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Dodgers‘ Furcal to have back surgery, out at least two months
Dodgers shortstop Rafael Furcal will have surgery on Thursday to relieve pressure on a disk in his lower back and could be out …

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Billingsley shuts down Astros in Dodgers‘ 5-2 win
Chad Billingsley pitched eight strong innings and Andre Ethier homered for the second straight game to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers …

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Glavine sees progress, hopes to return
Glavine sees progress, hopes to return If Tom Glavine’s left elbow cooperates, he would like to return to the Braves this season. But if it doesn’t, he will likely undergo surgery to give him the chance of pitching next year.

Lester baffles Yankees as Red Sox end five-game skid
Jon Lester pitched a sharp five-hitter while the Boston Red Sox roughed up Andy Pettitte, beating the New York Yankees 7-0 on …

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Braves‘ offense can’t support Jurrjens
Braves‘ offense can’t support Jurrjens Jair Jurrjens surrendered a season-high three homers in a 4-1 loss to the Phillies at Turner Field on Thursday night as Philadelphia completed the sweep.

Braves set new benchmarks after sweep
Braves set new goals after sweep Having been swept by the Phillies and fallen seven games back of the division lead, the Braves have established a new goal as they ready themselves to face the Astros: get to .500 by the All-Star break.

A’s snap White Sox’s 7-game win streak behind Duchscherer
Justin Duchscherer pitched seven solid innings, Jack Cust and Donnie Murphy homered and the Oakland Athletics beat Chicago 3-2 …

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Hamels, Phillies complete another sweep in Atlanta (AP)

After Cole Hamels fell one out shy of his bid for a second shutout of the Braves this season, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel’s emphasis turned to protecting the young left-hander for the rest of the year. Hamels, who earned his first career shutout against the Braves on May 15, gave up his only run with two outs in the ninth, and Philadelphia beat the Braves 4-1 on Thursday night to complete its…

Glavine encouraged by reduced pain in elbow (AP)
Tom Glavine said he is encouraged about the reduced pain in his left elbow after some aggressive exercises on Wednesday, and the Braves pitcher hopes to begin throwing off the mound in about two weeks. Glavine was placed on the disabled list June 11 with a tear in his flexor tendon. He said if he continues to improve he should be able to begin throwing soon after the All-Star break.

Prado goes from DL to starting lineup
Prado goes from DL to starting lineup An hour after getting activated from the 15-day disabled list, Martin Prado found himself starting at second base for the Braves on Thursday.

Prado goes from DL to starting lineup
Prado goes from DL to starting lineup An hour after getting activated from the 15-day disabled list, Martin Prado found himself starting at second base for the Braves on Thursday.

Glaus slams winning homer in ninth for Cards
Troy Glaus’ second homer of the game with two outs in the ninth won it for St. Louis, an inning after pinch-hitter Chris Duncan’s two-run shot tied it in the Cardinals‘ 8-7 victory over the New York Mets on Wednesday night.

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Braves activate infielder Prado from DL (AP)
The Braves activated infielder Martin Prado from the disabled list Thursday and optioned infielder Brent Lillibridge to Triple-A Richmond. Manager Bobby Cox listed Prado as the starter at second base against the Phillies, but he watched Prado take batting practice before announcing the move. Prado missed 55 games since he was placed on the disabled list on May 5 with a sprained left thumb.

Billingsley shuts down Astros in Dodgers‘ 5-2 win
Chad Billingsley pitched eight strong innings and Andre Ethier homered for the second straight game to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers …

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Escobar makes way back into lineup
Escobar makes way back into lineup Yunel Escobar didn’t exactly provide convincing reasons to show that his left shoulder won’t provide him more problems over the next week. But the shortstop showed enough during batting practice to convince the Braves to put him back in the starting lineup.

Glavine encouraged by reduced pain in elbow (AP)
Tom Glavine said he is encouraged about the reduced pain in his left elbow after some aggressive exercises on Wednesday, and the Braves pitcher hopes to begin throwing off the mound in about two weeks. Glavine was placed on the disabled list June 11 with a tear in his flexor tendon. He said if he continues to improve he should be able to begin throwing soon after the All-Star break.

Prado goes from DL to starting lineup
Prado goes from DL to starting lineup An hour after getting activated from the 15-day disabled list, Martin Prado found himself starting at second base for the Braves on Thursday.

Braves could soon face decision on Teixeira (AP)
Mark Teixeira’s future with the Atlanta Braves is difficult to predict. The Braves matched their low point of the season at four games under .500 with Tuesday night’s loss to Philadelphia. Should they fall further behind the Phillies before the July 31 deadline to trade a player without securing waivers, they might consider dealing their cleanup hitter.

Jurrjens confidently awaiting Hamels
Jurrjens confidently awaiting Hamels From the moment he arrived in the Braves‘ clubhouse in Spring Training, Jair Jurrjens has provided indications that he might be someone special. Immediately, he impressed with his maturity, and as the season has progressed, he has continued to show he doesn’t easily get rattled.

Braves activate infielder Prado from DL (AP)
The Braves activated infielder Martin Prado from the disabled list Thursday and optioned infielder Brent Lillibridge to Triple-A Richmond. Manager Bobby Cox listed Prado as the starter at second base against the Phillies, but he watched Prado take batting practice before announcing the move. Prado missed 55 games since he was placed on the disabled list on May 5 with a sprained left thumb.

Analyzing our preseason picks
With a clearer view of the major league landscape at the midpoint of the season, we asked some of our baseball writers and editors …

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Glaus slams winning homer in ninth for Cards
Troy Glaus’ second homer of the game with two outs in the ninth won it for St. Louis, an inning after pinch-hitter Chris …

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Who’s in first? In a rarity, neither Yankees nor Red Sox
Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Boston Red Sox-New York Yankees on the Fourth of July. But this year is no picnic for the American …

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Get lowdown with midseason check-up
The best way to look at the 81-game midpoint of the baseball season is to treat it like a check-up at the doctor’s office get …

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Escobar makes way back into lineup
Escobar makes way back into lineup Yunel Escobar didn’t exactly provide convincing reasons to show that his left shoulder won’t provide him more problems over the next week. But the shortstop showed enough during batting practice to convince the Braves to put him back in the starting lineup.

Jurrjens confidently awaiting Hamels
Jurrjens confidently awaiting Hamels From the moment he arrived in the Braves‘ clubhouse in Spring Training, Jair Jurrjens has provided indications that he might be someone special. Immediately, he impressed with his maturity, and as the season has progressed, he has continued to show he doesn’t easily get rattled.

Howard’s 3-run homer powers Phillies past Braves (AP)

No first baseman in the major leagues has more errors than Ryan Howard’s nine, and that worries Charlie Manuel. No player in the National League can match Howard’s 71 RBIs, and that makes Manuel feel better. Howard hit a three-run homer before his two errors in the ninth inning gave Philadelphia a scare, Pat Burrell added his second homer of the series and the Phillies beat the Atlanta Braves 7-3…

Braves mulling Francoeur move
Braves mulling Francoeur move Next Monday will mark the third anniversary of Jeff Francoeur’s Major League debut. All indications are that he’ll still be in the Majors at that time. The team has mulled over the option of sending him down to the Minors to work on his swing.

Hank Steinbrenner tries to awaken Yanks’ shaky offense
Hank Steinbrenner wants the New York Yankees to flash their offense as they enter what could be a key point of their season. …

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Braves could soon face decision on Teixeira (AP)
Mark Teixeira’s future with the Atlanta Braves is difficult to predict. The Braves matched their low point of the season at four games under .500 with Tuesday night’s loss to Philadelphia. Should they fall further behind the Phillies before the July 31 deadline to trade a player without securing waivers, they might consider dealing their cleanup hitter.

Blackburn helps Twins tweak Tigers, seal shutout
Nick Blackburn combined with two relievers on a five-hitter, and Joe Mauer’s two-out, two-run single sparked a five-run third …

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Campillo struggles in loss to Phillies
Campillo struggles in loss to Phils

Saunders gathers up 12th win as Angels fend off A’s
Joe Saunders pitched into the seventh inning to match Brandon Webb for the major league lead with his 12th win, and Juan Rivera …

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Pass out the midterm report cards (Yahoo! Sports)
We don’t grade on a curve, and that’s why only the Rays get an A-plus while three teams are given Fs.

Escobar makes way back into lineup
Escobar makes way back into lineup Yunel Escobar didn’t exactly provide convincing reasons to show that his left shoulder won’t provide him more problems over the next week. But the shortstop showed enough during batting practice to convince the Braves to put him back in the starting lineup.

Chipper avoids DL stint, back in lineup
Chipper avoids DL stint, back in lineup Braves manager Bobby Cox came to Turner Field on Tuesday fully expecting that he’d have to put Chipper Jones on the 15-day disabled list. But shockingly, he was instead in a position to be able to put the veteran third baseman back in the starting lineup.

Braves unable to climb out of early hole
Braves unable to climb out of early hole All of the excitement regarding the returns of Chipper Jones and Mark Kotsay to the lineup was quickly erased by the Phillies‘ assault on Charlie Morton. The young right-hander encountered the first bad start of his young career and created a deficit too big for the Braves to overcome in their 8-3 loss at Turner Field on Tuesday night.

Sore shoulder shelves Pirates closer Capps for two months
Closer Matt Capps will be sidelined for approximately eight weeks with a shoulder injury detected on Wednesday, the fourth Pittsburgh …

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Campillo struggles in loss to Phillies
Campillo struggles in loss to Phils

Hank Steinbrenner tries to awaken Yanks’ shaky offense
Hank Steinbrenner wants the New York Yankees to flash their offense as they enter what could be a key point of their season. …

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Athletics‘ Chavez returns to disabled list
The Oakland Athletics placed six-time Gold Glove third baseman Eric Chavez on the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday because of …

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