Chipper takes BP, should return for next WBC round

TORONTO -- Chipper Jones took swings from both sides of the plate and fielded grounders before the United States faced Venezuela on Wednesday and said he'll be ready to play when the second round of the World Baseball Classic begins Saturday in Miami.

The Atlanta Braves third baseman, who is 0-7 with five strikeouts in the WBC, left Sunday's 15-6 win over Venezuela after five innings with a strain on his right side. His condition improved after doing only light running on Monday and Tuesday.

"I felt good. I felt better," Jones said after his stint in the batting cage. "There were no ill effects."

David Wright started at third base and Derek Jeter was the designated hitter as the U.S. played Venezuela to decide the winner of Group C.

Jones, who hit .364 with 22 home runs and 75 RBIs for Atlanta in 2008, said the injury is one he's encountered in the past and he has no reason to fear a lengthy absence.

"If I hadn't had a couple of dozen of those during the course of my career I'd probably be a lot more cautious," he said, "but I know that it's a mild strain."

The U.S. team has no other injury concerns, although manager Davey Johnson did say outfielder Curtis Granderson, utilityman Mark DeRosa and reliever J.J. Putz have been battling flulike symptoms. Neither Granderson nor DeRosa started for the U.S. on Wednesday.

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