This morning’s surprise came courtesy of the lineup board, which showed that that Barbaro Canizares will be batting cleanup during this afternoon’s series finale against the Pirates.

Canizares, who was hitting .344 with eight homers and a .533 slugging percentage with Triple-A Gwinnett, could play first base until Casey Kotchman returns from the disabled list.  He also could be used as a designated hitter when the Braves spend both of the next two weekends in an American League park. 

To make room for Canizares, the Braves placed Greg Norton on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right ankle.  Norton has hit .098 in 41 at-bats this year.   

The 29-year-old Canizares has always shown the ability to swing the bat.  But his rise toward the Majors had been delayed by his defensive shortcomings.

Canizares will wear No.25, which most of you remember was worn by Andruw Jones throughout his career in Atlanta.