Veteran records hitting milestone

ATLANTA - Milestones don't phase Julio Franco much.

The Atlanta Braves' veteran first baseman has plenty of miles on him anyway. He's 45 years old and is in the middle of his 17th major league season.

He's played for seven major league teams as well as teams in Japan, Mexico and Korea.

So when asked about his closing in on 2,400 major league hits, a mark fewer than 100 other players have met in the game's history, he shrugs his shoulders.

"Nah, it's no big deal," said Franco, who recorded his 2,400 hit Tuesday against the Florida Marlins. "Maybe 2,500 would be, but not 2,400. I still have quite a few people to pass."

LAROCHE RETURNS: First baseman Adam LaRoche flew to Richmond, Va., early Tuesday to play in the Braves' Class AAA affiliate's doubleheader against Louisville. The games will be LaRoche's first action since separating his left shoulder in Atlanta's game May 28.

He'll spend a maximum of three days with Richmond, although Cox said he could be back in Atlanta's lineup as early as today.

"If he does well, I want to bring him back and give Julio a break," Cox said.

ESTRADA UPDATE: A sore Johnny Estrada took batting practice Tuesday and nothing else.

The Braves' catcher sat out the second game of a four-game series against the Florida Marlins after taking a Brad Penny fastball off his thigh in the third inning of Monday's opener.

Estrada left the game after being hit, replaced by Eddie Perez.

Estrada wore a heavy wrap on his leg Tuesday and admitted his thigh was "very sore." He is listed as day-to-day.

BYRD WATCH: Starting pitcher Paul Byrd will try to keep his comeback going against the Marlins.

Byrd missed all of the 2003 season and part of this season with an elbow injury.

He's 1-1 with a 2.03 earned run average since returning. He'll face Florida right-hander A.J. Burnett (0-3) at Turner Field at 7:05 tonight.

Reach Adam Van Brimmer at (404) 589-8424 or adam.vanbrimmer@morris.com.