ATLANTA -- Kurt Suzuki's bruised right hand has reacted well to the exercises he has completed over the past two days. But with the recently acquired Carlos Perez now in place, the Braves have the option to delay Suzuki's return to the lineup.
Essentially playing the role of "the last man standing," Chris Stewart once again served as the Braves' catcher for Monday's series opener against the Nationals at SunTrust Park. Atlanta's original core was depleted by injuries to their top two catchers -- Tyler Flowers (strained left oblique) and Suzuki -- suffered within the first two games of the season.