GEORGE HENRY
Associated Press
ATLANTA (AP) — Atlanta Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez has moved right fielder Jason Heyward back into the leadoff spot in hopes of jump-starting the team’s struggling offense.
The Braves, who have lost 11 of 13 to fall five games behind NL East-leading Washington, have scored the third-fewest runs in the majors. Their 26 runs scored this month rank last.
Gonzalez said he has no timetable in mind for Heyward, who began the season in the top spot in the batting order before moving to the fifth spot on June 18.
Heyward is hitting .274 with 14 homers, 43 RBIs, 65 runs scored in 99 career games at the top of Atlanta’s batting order.
Shortstop Andrelton Simmons was back in the lineup Wednesday against the Dodgers after missing six games with a sprained ankle.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
