Evan Gattis hasn’t played a full game for the Braves since September 7 because of strep throat and, more recently, a kidney stone. In that time, Atlanta has lost 12-of-14 games and been completely eliminated from postseason contention. But there will be no early shutdown for the 28-year-old slugging catcher.
David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that Gattis is scheduled to return to the Braves’ starting lineup for Thursday night’s series finale against the Pirates. Gattis is only expected to play about five innings, serving as the catcher for spot starter David Hale, who’s filling in for Mike Minor.
Minor was officially shut down earlier this week due to inflammation in his left (throwing) shoulder.
Gattis is batting .268/.322/.503 with 22 home runs in 102 games played this season for the Braves. There has been talk of him being traded this winter to open up starting catching duties for Christian Bethancourt.
