McCann still adjusting to new glasses

ATLANTA -- More than a week after his return from the disabled list, Brian McCann says his adjustment to playing with glasses continues.

``I'm getting there,'' McCann said before Saturday night's game against Arizona.

McCann missed 13 games due to blurred vision in his left eye. He couldn't play with contact lenses and finally made his return on May 8 after being fitted with new sports glasses.

McCann had laser surgery on his eyes after the 2007 season. He said the procedure changed the shape of his eyes, making contacts more difficult to wear.

The new glasses ``have helped me a lot,'' McCann said, but the challenge is keeping the lenses free from fog, sweat and smears.

McCann has abandoned the idea of wearing the glasses when catching. He tried to wear the glasses while catching in a minor league rehab game for Triple-A Gwinnett on May 7 but had difficulty keeping the lenses clean.

He said Saturday the glasses also can become foggy when he's hitting. He said he doesn't have the option of taking them off then.

``I think I'm still getting used to them and keeping them from fogging up when I'm hitting,'' he said.

The results have been good. Entering Saturday night's game, McCann was 10 for 25 with a homer, two doubles, three walks and five RBIs, lifting his batting average from .195 to .273.

GLAVINE TO THROW MONDAY: Tom Glavine will throw a simulated game on Monday, facing hitters for three innings.

The 43-year-old left-hander has been on the disabled list since the start of the season following elbow and shoulder surgery in August. Glavine threw about 35 pitches before Wednesday's game at New York, with bullpen coach Eddie Perez standing at the plate but not swinging. Monday's simulated game will have the 305-game winner facing live hitters.

``We'll see how that goes, and then we'll make a decision on the next step,'' said manager Bobby Cox.

Glavine has been encouraged by his progress about a month after suggesting inflammation in his left rotator cuff might force him to retire.

The two-time NL Cy Young Award winner was projected to open the season as Atlanta's No. 5 starter before experiencing shoulder pain.

SCHAFER SHORTENING HIS SWING: The first six weeks of Jordan Schafer's major league career have convinced the rookie outfielder he must shorten his swing.
The 22-year-old Schafer had a hot start with two three-hit games in early April, but his batting average was down to .216 for Saturday night's game.

``I'm behind the ball,'' he said. ``I need to change my swing. My swing was long ... so I've got to change my swing totally.''

From May 2-15, Schafer struck out 20 times in 11 games, including a four-strikeout game on May 6 at Florida.

SORIANO UPDATE: Cox said right-hander Rafael Soriano was not available on Friday night, but that had nothing to do with the reliever's history of elbow problems.

Soriano, who had upper respiratory problems in spring training, said Saturday he has been battling a cold and was not feeling well on Friday night. He was coughing on Saturday.