Atlanta Braves Wiretap

Chipper Jones Homers On Birthday For Fourth Time

For the fourth time in his career, Chipper Jones hit a home run on his birthday.

Jones went deep on Tuesday night, his 40th birthday, against the Dodgers.

"It's been a fun ride, and it's great to have my last birthday in the big leagues turn out the right way," he said after Atlanta's 4-3 win. "I consider myself pretty lucky to be 40 years old and still playing -- in a lot more limited role, but playing nonetheless. I doubt if anybody really expects to be playing on their 40th birthday. I mean, as a kid, you'd like to think you're going to play forever.

"Unfortunately, as many miles and as many innings and as many games as I've got on these legs, it's coming down to the end. So it's bittersweet," Jones added. "I'm glad this is it, because my body's starting to let me know on a nightly basis that I'm 40. I'd love to see how it felt to be 31 again."

Jones has homered on his birthday on four different occasions since coming up to the big leagues in 1993, including his 24th, 29th (twice) and 36th.

Via Associated Press

Atlanta Braves, Misc Rumor

Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets

---

Braves Demote Jurrjens To Triple-A

After he lasted less than four innings in a start against the Dodgers on Monday night, the Braves have optioned Jair Jurrjens to Triple-A Gwinnett.

Jurrjens, who led the Braves with 13 wins last season despite two trips to the disabled list, is 0-2 with a 9.37 ERA in four starts.

Via Associated Press

Atlanta Braves, Misc Rumor

Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets

---

Braves Giving Pastornicky Time To Clear Head

Braves shortstop Tyler Pastornicky was out of the lineup for the second consecutive game on Sunday.

The team didn't provide a reason, but rather that the youngster needed time to clear his head.

Pastornicky said after the game he's spent time "working on some things" with his swing this week.

He has hit .175 (7-for-40) in 11 games with three extra-base hits (one homer), four RBIs, two walks and a .214 on-base percentage in his first stint in the Major Leagues.

Via Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Atlanta Braves, Misc Rumor

Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets

---

Braves To Retire Smoltz's No. 29

The Braves will honor John Smoltz in June by retiring his No. 29, which will never be worn by another Atlanta player.

Smoltz is the only pitcher with at least 200 wins and 150 saves. He spent 20 years with the Braves before splitting his final season in 2009 between Boston and St. Louis.

Via Associated Press

Atlanta Braves, Misc Rumor

Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets

---

Chipper Returns To Braves, Homers In Win

Chipper Jones made his 2012 season debut on Tuesday night against the Astros, hitting a home run as the Braves notched their first win of the year.

"I think today he won our game singlehandedly, really," manager Fredi Gonzalez said of Jones, who also had a single.

Jones missed Atlanta's first four games following surgery on March 26 to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee.

He plans to retire at the end of the season.

"I'm not going to say I was the spark," Jones said. "Obviously, the two-run homer was a big lift, but I'd much rather be a calming influence, have them look down there, see me and know that I'm going to put up some good at-bats and hopefully make the play when it's hit to me. And if they feed off that, great."

Via Associated Press

Atlanta Braves, Game Recap

Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets

---