Chipper Jones activated, Betemit called up

<p>The ailing Atlanta Braves got a little healthier Saturday.</p><p>Left fielder Chipper Jones was activated from the disabled list for a game against the Houston Astros after missing nearly three weeks with a strained right hamstring.</p><p>"I doubt I'll come back off the DL and go 10 for my first 15," Jones said. "But it won't take long. I continued to hit pretty much every day since I've been on the DL. I feel good at the plate."</p><p>The Braves were still missing the top two hitters in their lineup: shortstop Rafael Furcal (jammed finger) and second baseman Marcus Giles (elbow contusion). But at least that's better than Thursday, when Atlanta played without its top four hitters in a 7-3 loss to San Diego.</p><p>"I don't know of any team in baseball that could compensate for losing their top four hitters," Jones said.</p><p>J.D. Drew was back in the lineup Friday, homering against the Astros. Jones returned for the second game of the series, hitting third as the Braves attempted to break a three-game losing streak.</p><p>Atlanta considered putting Furcal on the disabled list. He hasn't started in a week because the injured right ring finger hampers his grip on the ball for throws, but the team held off on making a move after he was examined by a hand specialist, Dr. Gary Lourie.</p><p>Furcal received a shot in his finger and was available for pinch-hitting duties. He hopes to be back in the lineup for Tuesday's game at St. Louis.</p><p>The Braves did call up another shortstop, recalling Wilson Betemit from Triple-A Richmond and immediately giving him a shot as the leadoff hitter.</p><p>To make room for Jones and Betemit, Atlanta designated outfielder Damon Hollins for assignment and sent infielder Mike Hessman to Richmond.</p><p>Hollins, who is out of options, must clear waivers and agree to return to Triple-A. He is expected to take the assignment if he goes unclaimed by another team.</p><p>Giles missed his third straight game, but his left elbow was feeling better. He was able to bend his arm and is shooting for a return on Tuesday.</p><p>Betemit, 22, was once considered one of the Braves' top prospects, but he's been stuck at Richmond the past two years. He was hitting .224 for the Triple-A team this season.</p><p>"I'm excited to be up and get right in the lineup," Betemit said. "I'm going to try to do my job, try to get better."</p><p>He got off to a good start, singling up the middle for his first major league hit.</p>

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