Willy

Aybar

Tony Pena Jr. or Pete Orr will start if Aybar isn’t ready to play on Saturday.

Tony Pena Jr. took over at third base.

The break is only a chip fracture, so Aybar could be ready to return when eligible on Aug. 27. Sept. 1 might be a more likely return date.

All four hits were singles and he was caught stealing in the game, but it was an encouraging debut. The Braves’ hit Aybar leadoff today, followed by Marcus Giles, Edgar Renteria, Andruw Jones, Jeff Francoeur, Brian McCann, Matt Diaz, and Adam LaRoche. Since Aybar entered the game just 1-for-15 against left-handers on the season, it was quite the surprise to see him batting leadoff versus Tom Glavine. His value would increase a good deal if he continues to bat atop the order with Chipper Jones out. Make sure he’s owned in all NL-only formats.

Aybar actually hurt the hand in his first game with the Braves on July 30, but he was able to play through the pain until coming out of Friday’s game. Fortunately, Chipper Jones will be back on Sunday to reclaim third-base duties. Aybar probably won’t be back until rosters expand.

Aybar was hitting a nifty .274/.364/.443 in 106 at-bats, but manager Grady Little wasn’t impressed with his defense at either second or third. He’s someone the Dodgers will likely be willing to move as they look to upgrade at the trade deadline.

Willy overshadowed his little brother, although Erick did manage two hits in his first start at shortstop for the Angels. Willy Aybar is hitting .391 with eight RBI and four walks in 23 at-bats since joining the Dodgers 10 days ago. The Dodgers are losing some defense when they play him at third base, but they need to keep him in the lineup. He has been getting some practice in the outfield.

Since the Braves aren’t going to be able to afford Chipper Jones much rest, Aybar shouldn’t be worth using in NL-only leagues right away. He will be a fine player if Chipper gets hurt again.

Martin Prado is playing third base in his place against the Cubs.

He led off the top of the ninth inning with a solo blast to right-center field off right-hander Jesus Colome. Aybar started as the designated hitter against the lefty Jason Vargas on Saturday, but the newly-added Hank Blalock figures to see most of the playing time against right-handers going forward.