Jones off DL for Braves

Aug 9, 2008 - 6:20 AM PHOENIX (Ticker) -- Chipper Jones was activated from the disabled list and inserted into the starting lineup for the Atlanta Braves' 11-6 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday.

The 36-year-old third baseman went 2-for-4 in his return with three runs scored and two RBI. He hit his 19th home run of the year off Brandon Lyon in the ninth inning.

"I felt really awkward the first couple of at-bats, really from both sides, but it came back quick," Jones said. "I was feeling very rusty early on. That is to be expected, going 15 days without seeing a pitch and no rehab. I didn't expect to be right on, but it came back pretty quick."

Jones, who leads the major leagues with a .371 batting average, had been sidelined since July 24 with a strained left hamstring. The switch-hitting slugger injured himself running out a grounder against the Florida Marlins a day earlier.

In 90 games this season, the 36-year-old has 19 home runs and 57 RBI for Atlanta, who are just 9-12 since the All-Star break and sit 8 1/2 games behind the National League East-leading Philadelphia Phillies.

To make room on the roster for Jones, the Braves optioned lefthander Chuck James to Class AAA Richmond. In seven starts for Atlanta this season, James went 2-5 with a 9.10 ERA.