Adam

LaRoche

LaRoche is becoming the younger, East Coast version of J.T. Snow -- good defensive lefty platoon first baseman having a hot second half to guarantee him a starting gig next season.

He has a slugging percentage of .555 in 61 games since the break, and seems to have sewn up a job at first base next season.

LaRoche could go on a brief rehab assignment first. He’ll eventually resume his platoon with Julio Franco at first base.

LaRoche will play a few games with Richmond before being activated for the series against the Red Sox this weekend.

Following tests, it has been determined that LaRoche will not need surgery and there were no broken bones in his shoulder. There is not a set timetable yet for his return but he may be out of action until the All-Star break. Mike Hessman and Julio Franco will man first base for the Braves, barring a trade, until LaRoche’s return.

LaRoche entered with a .198 average since the All-Star break. He has a lower OPS than he did as a rookie, but since he does have 15 homers and 65 RBI, his fantasy owners can’t complain.

LaRoche was apparently hurt sliding into second base in the fifth inning. Scott Thorman replaced him at first base.

LaRoche strained the hamstring on Wednesday. He was hitting the ball extremely well prior to the injury so the Braves hope to have him available for this weekend’s important series against the Reds. He may be available to pinch hit even if he isn’t healed enough to play the field.

LaRoche has been bothered by the injury since being hit by a pitch on Saturday, and the decision was made to rest him against a left-hander. Scott Thorman filled in at first base.

“It’s a real high hamstring (injury) -- I tore it pretty good last year, so I think some scar tissue ripped in there,” LaRoche said. “This is like the third time I did this since I initially did it last year. It’s nothing I haven’t had before. It’s always a day or two and then it’s back to where I can play again.” Scott Thorman could start in his place on Thursday.