Chipper

Jones

The Hall of Famer will work in a part-time capacity. Jones recently served as a special assistant for baseball operations before shifting into this new role. His vast knowledge and expertise will surely come in handy for the Braves’ hitters moving forward. And a bonus, he can still indirectly hit home runs against the Mets.

Chipper has missed the last two games with the Braves facing lefties, and they face another lefty tonight. The switch-hitter’s left wrist bothers him more when swinging from the right side.

Manager Bobby Cox doesn’t intend to rest Chipper for the playoffs. “I don’t think he needs any rest,” said Cox. “I’d like to see him do it. Why not give him a shot.”

Chipper missed a few games with a similar injury last year. However, the Braves and Dodgers are currently tied for the second-best record in the NL, which is an important race because the loser there will draw the Cardinals in the first round if the wildcard winner comes out of the Central.

Chipper had a nice second half, but still finished with a career-worst .248 average, and fell four RBI short of reaching 100 for the ninth straight year. The good news is that should keep his price low in next year’s drafts.

“No doubt in my mind,” Jones said. “It feels a lot better.”

Chipper was out of the lineup yesterday with a groin strain but did pinch-hit.

“I think I proved to myself last year that I may have made a mistake volunteering to move [to left field],” Jones said. “I can’t say I regret it; Vinny [Castilla] came in and did a good job for us. [But] I’d be less inclined to move in the future. Third base is my home.” The Braves don’t seem to be interested in moving him anyway.

Manager Bobby Cox said Chipper would return to the lineup Thursday.

Consider Chipper day-to-day.