McCann to Join G-Braves on Rehab Assignment

Atlanta Braves catcher Brian McCann's journey back from shoulder surgery includes stop in Gwinnett

By Dave Lezotte

May 1, 2013

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA - Atlanta Braves' catcher Brian McCann, working back from offseason shoulder surgery, will continue his minor league rehabilitation assignment with the Gwinnett Braves on Thursday, May 2 at Coolray Field.

McCann, 29, has already played three games for Class-A Rome since starting his rehab assignment on April 26. He has gone 3-for-11 with a double, two home runs, three runs scored and five RBI for Rome, including a two-homer game in his first action of the year on April 26 at Greensboro.

Last season, McCann hit .230 with 14 doubles, 20 home runs and 67 RBI in 121 games for the Atlanta Braves. Following his fifth-straight 20-homer season, he underwent successful surgery to repair his right shoulder on October 16, 2012. Over 1,003 career Major League games, all with Atlanta, the six-time National League All-Star has a .279 career batting average, 156 home runs and 604 RBI.

This injury rehabilitation stint marks McCann's third with the Braves' Triple-A affiliate in Gwinnett. McCann played in one game for the G-Braves in 2009 as he recovered from a left eye infection and two games for the club in 2011 as he recovered from a strained left oblique. In three career games with Gwinnett, McCann has hit .333 (3-for-9) with a double, home run, one run scored and three RBI.

McCann is the third player on Atlanta's 40-man roster to play for Gwinnett as part of a minor league injury rehab assignment this year. Shortstop Paul Janish (left shoulder surgery) is currently on a rehab assignment with the club, while first baseman Freddie Freeman (strained right oblique) completed a three-game rehab stint from April 19-21.

The Gwinnett Braves begin a four-game series against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders at Coolray Field on Thursday, May 2. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 PM. It's a "$3 Thursday" featuring $3 food and beverage specials all game long. All lawn seats are also just $3.

Tickets for all Gwinnett Braves home games are on sale now at the Coolray Field Box Office. Call (678) 277-0340 or visit gwinnettbraves.com for more information.