Braves: Former Braves OF Matt Diaz is doing some hosting for MLB Network Radio. … Dan Uggla, one of the team’s most highly paid players, was clearly upset when he wasn’t in the lineup Monday. “Nobody tells me anything anymore,” he said. “I come to the field and do my job. That’s it.” Manager Fredi Gonzalez said he was merely looking for the best matchups and the move was not permanent. In fact, the manager took umbrage when a reporter used the word “benched.” “He’s not benched,” Gonzalez snapped. “He’s just not playing today.” Uggla finished last season with a .179 batting average. He is under the Mendoza Line this year.
Marlins: After winning two in a row in their final at-bat last week, Jarrod Saltalamacchia said, “We’re a good ball team. We go out there every day and have a good approach.” … Jose Fernandez is one of four pitches since 1900 to win each of his first 12 home decisions, joining Johnny Allen (16, 1932-’33), LaMarr Hoyt (16, 1980-’82) and David Palmer (1979-’82), according to Elias.
Mets: In 2004, how many would have guessed former Cubs Kyle Farnsworth and LaTroy Hawkins would be closers in 2014? … Manager Terry Collins was worried enough that before Monday’s game vs. the Marlins, he consulted his coaches and made plans to vary their signs. “I’m not accusing anybody of anything,” Collins told the New York Times.
Phillies: Ryan Howard finishes with five homers in April after hitting nine in the last three Aprils combined. …. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Phillies waddled again to .500 through 30 games. They have not advanced two games above .500 since Oct. 1, 2012. That plateau will require more time and consistent baseball. … Freddy Galvis’ hitless streak (0-for-24 slump) was the longest by a Phillies position player since Ruiz went 0 for 26 in 2011.
Nationals: Bryce Harper’s Gatorade ad gets non-stop airplay as Harper goes on DL with thumb injury from headfirst slide. … The team reinstated OF Scott Hairston (strained side muscle) from the 15-day DL and optioned OF Steven Souza Jr. to Triple-A Syracuse. … During a rain delay Monday in Washington, fans were treated to a scoreboard broadcast was of the Braves’ loss to the Cardinals, which helped the Nationals vault into first in the division.
