Scott

Thorman

Thorman is a left-handed hitter, so he can’t platoon with Adam LaRoche. He’ll get starts at first base, left field and maybe third base, depending on the severity of Chipper Jones’ injury. It might lead to some short-term value in NL-only leagues.

Thorman has hit .324 with 15 homers and 44 RBIs for Triple-A Richmond this season. He is a former first round draft pick, but we doubt he will get enough at-bats to have immediate value for fantasy teams.

The move made room for Lance Cormier. As well as Matt Diaz is suddenly playing, the Braves felt Thorman was more expendable than Tony Pena Jr. Thorman was hitting .255/.290/.461 in 102 at-bats.

Both came off Columbus’ Matt DeSalvo. Thorman, 24, is batting .305/.375/.503 in 151 at-bats. There’s not much separating him and Adam LaRoche, but there’s also unlikely to be any reason for the Braves to make the switch at first base anytime soon.

Thorman hit .255/.290/.461 in 102 at-bats before being sent down last month. He’s not going to see much time in the outfield with Matt Diaz now playing regularly, so he shouldn’t have fantasy value.

Thorman reached twice in both of his starts since the break, but the Braves are going with Julio Franco for the fourth time in five games tonight. If Thorman wasn’t out of options, he’d almost certainly be in Triple-A right now. The Braves might yet try sending him through waivers if they get more offensive help.

If the Braves are going to carry Jarrod Saltalamacchia on their roster, it’s about time they start giving him at-bats at first base. Thorman is batting .200 with a 24/1 K/BB ratio in 90 at-bats this month.

The homer was off Mike Timlin, who barely qualifies as a major league pitcher at this point. The one yesterday off Fausto Carmona was a whole lot more impressive. With five hits in two games, Thorman shouldn’t have to worry about sitting against a right-hander anytime soon. He’ll be in the lineup versus Josh Beckett and Julian Tavarez the next two days.

Braves manager Bobby Cox could give Salty and Scott Thorman equal starts at the position in the next few weeks. Atlanta first baseman are ranked last in the majors with a cumulative .202 average and last in the majors with 25 RBI this season.

The Braves had faced left-handers each of the previous three days, explaining Salty’s presence. That he’s getting a start at first against a right-hander is a very good sign. Thorman is 1-for-18 with one RBI and a 9/3 K/BB ratio this month.