ATLANTA -- Jace Peterson was relieved to learn the left hand discomfort he has battled the past couple of weeks was not a product of structural damage But the Braves second baseman and leadoff man will not return to the starting lineup before Sunday.
Peterson spent a portion of Thursday's off-day undergoing an X-ray exam that revealed no structural damage between his left thumb and index finger. But because he received a cortisone shot to reduce inflammation, the Braves opted to sit him for Friday's series opener against the Pirates and limit him to potential defensive duties on Saturday.