Michael Bourn lifts Atlanta Braves’ offence as he returns from sprained thumb injury-MLB Update
Centre fielder Michael Bourn begins contributing regularly after joining the line-up on Sunday. He sat out in a number of matches earlier because he suffered pain in his left thumb.
Until an MRI examination was not taken, it was extremely risky for him to keep playing because the damage may have been aggravated.
However, he has come back in the team now following the MRI revelation which says that the soreness is not the sign of a big problem.
Bourn holds immense significance for the Braves, in particular at the top of the line-up. The hits that he is capable of producing in the beginning of the innings become the cause of run-rampages later on.
His presence at the plate more often than not results in a bases-loaded situation. Then, the batters in the middle of the line-up just manipulate for hits and accumulate substantial RBIs total.
A strong top order helps the teams in scoring greater number of runs. Addition of Bourn can go a long way in ascertaining that Atlanta gets rid of the recent poor shows by their offence and puts formidable totals in the upcoming matches.
In light of the fact that the post-season is now a week away, the Braves cannot ask for anything more than watching Bourn as he is in the groove and stepping up at the plate regularly.
However, each and everything is not rosy and ideal for the Braves. They still will be dealing with their injury-prone third baseman Chipper Jones in the playoffs.
“For me you’re borderline putting him in a situation where he could get hurt,” Braves’ manager Fredi Gonzalez said. “I’ve been known to get talked out of those things as you well know with him. But we’ll see.”
Jones terms the entry of Bourn as a great positive for Atlanta.
“That was big for us, getting Michael back into the swing of things before the posteason gets here,” Chipper Jones said. “We’ve struggled at the top of the lineup for the last week without him.”
While Bourn’s credentials are proven, it remains to be seen as to how effective he can be in the crucial matches ahead.
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