ATLANTA (AP) — Chipper Jones is missing his seventh straight start because of a bruised leg, and Brian McCann is out for the fourth straight game with flu-like symptoms, leaving the Braves short-handed against the Nationals.
There was still swelling and discoloration in Jones’ left foot, ankle and calf on Friday. He was hit by a grounder May 18 at Tampa Bay.
Manager Fredi Gonzalez says he hopes Jones can return to the lineup as early as Sunday. The Braves are 19-5 when Jones starts and 7-15 when he is out of the lineup.
Gonzalez hopes McCann will play on Saturday.
First baseman Freddie Freeman has new contact lenses and sport glasses and is starting against Washington. He has battled vision problems due to dryness in his eyes while wearing contacts.
