http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/n...t=.jsp&c_id=atlNotes: Ward feeling right at home
One of newest team members enjoying relaxed atmosphere
By Mark Bowman / MLB.com
PHILADELPHIA -- When Daryle Ward arrived in the Braves clubhouse early Friday evening, he found a group of players seemingly much more relaxed than he and his former Nationals teammates had been the past couple of weeks.
"I haven't seen that in a while, where guys have smiles on their faces, are actually having fun and know how to play hard at the same time," said Ward, who was acquired from the Nationals late Thursday night. "That's a good group of guys to play with."
After watching Ward deliver a clutch two-out, two-run single in the seventh inning of their 4-3 victory over the Phillies on Saturday afternoon, the Braves had even more reason to feel relaxed. In his first at-bat for his new club, he proved to be the capable left-handed pinch-hitter they'd envisioned when they acquired him.
"I still had goose bumps for about two innings after that," said Ward shortly after the first game of Saturday's doubleheader ended. "It worked out well. I was really happy to be able to contribute to helping the ballclub win."
Ward's single helped the Braves move a little closer to the top of the National League Wild Card standings. They entered Saturday's second game 3 1/2 games out of the lead and just 2 1/2 games behind the Phillies.
"That makes it a lot more exciting than where I came from," Ward said. "[The Nationals] had a chance, but that was a long time ago. To get traded to a team that's still got a chance, where you've got a chance to contribute, that's always fun."
Before Ward left the Nationals clubhouse on Thursday, Robert Fick and Kevin Gryboski, both of whom have played in Atlanta, told him that he'd enjoy playing for manager Bobby Cox. But that didn't surprise the 31-year-old veteran, who since his 1999 rookie season has gained great respect for the amount of support Cox has shown his players.
"That's the difference with [Nationals manager] Frank Robinson," Ward said. "You never know where he's at or what he's thinking."
Ironically, when the Nationals were in Atlanta last weekend for a three-game series, Ward found himself wondering about the cost of living in Atlanta. The city has always intrigued him, and he says he's always thought about the opportunity to play for Cox.
"I would love to stay," he said. "A lot of players in the league dream of playing for the Braves. You hear great things about Bobby Cox throughout the league from players who have played for him."
Friday rescheduled: As expected, Friday's game, which was postponed because of rain, will be made up as part of a traditional doubleheader on Sunday. The first game will begin at 1:35 p.m. ET, and the second will start approximately 30 minutes after the opener's conclusion.
The Braves will send Tim Hudson (11-10, 4.85) to the mound to face Jamie Moyer (1-1, 6.00) in the first game. In the second game, Lance Cormier (2-4, 5.87) will oppose Brett Myers (10-6, 4.24).
This will be the first time since 1994 that the Braves have played four games in a span of two days. They lost three of the four games they played against the Cardinals in those twin bills at Busch Stadium.
Giles ailing: During the second game of Saturday's doubleheader, the Braves announced that Marcus Giles will return to Atlanta on Sunday to undergo unspecified medical tests. Because his ailment is not caused by a baseball-related injury, the Players Association prevents the club from commenting on the specifics of his condition.
After team physician Dr. John Cantwell performs the evaluation on Sunday, Giles and the club may provide further information. The veteran second baseman was sent to a Philadelphia hospital after arriving at the stadium on Saturday morning.
Lerew promoted: To provide some insurance while playing four games in a span of two days, the Braves recalled Anthony Lerew from Triple-A Richmond. The 23-year-old right-hander may not remain with the club after this weekend.
Lerew struggled at the beginning of this season with Richmond. But since a June demotion that allowed him to regain his proper mechanics with the help of Double-A Mississippi pitching coach Kent Willis, he's once again provided some hope for the future.
In the past 13 starts he's made for Mississippi and Richmond combined, he's 6-3 with a 2.51 ERA. During those 71 2/3 innings, he's registered 67 strikeouts and issued just 14 walks.
Time change: The Sept. 16 game against the Marlins at Turner Field has been changed to a 7:05 p.m. ET start. Instead of being broadcast as one of FOX's Saturday afternoon games, it will now air on Fox Sports South.
Coming up: The Braves will conclude their series with the doubleheader against the Phillies on Sunday. The traditional twin bill will begin at 1:35 p.m. ET.
Mark Bowman is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.