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Braves looking to start playoff push against Astros

Jul 31, 2007 - 2:55 PM Houston (46-59) at Atlanta (55-51) 7:35 pm EDT

ATLANTA (Ticker) - The front office is doing all it can to start a playoff push, but now the Atlanta Braves must produce on the field.

Chipper Jones hopes to build off his five RBI performance in his previous game when the Braves host the Houston Astros on Tuesday in the opener of a three-game series.

According to a report Monday from the Fort Wort Star-Telegram, Atlanta acquired first baseman Mark Teixeira from the Texas Rangers for catcher-first baseman Jarrod Saltalamacchia and three minor league prospects.

Atlanta, which has lost four of its last five games, sits in third place in the National League East, 4 1/2 games behind the division-leading New York Mets.

Chuck James (8-8, 3.55 ERA) will get the start for the Braves. The 25-year-old lefthander has been on a roll lately, posting a 2-1 record with a 1.47 ERA in his previous five starts.

He will be opposed by Chris Sampson (7-7, 4.29), who surrendered four runs and eight hits in a 10-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 23.

The Astros are hoping for their sixth victory in their last eight contests.