Braves place Kotchman on disabled list

ATLANTA (AP) -- The Atlanta Braves have placed first baseman Casey Kotchman on the 15-day disabled list to clear a roster spot for right-handed pitcher Tommy Hanson's major league debut.

The move was announced on Sunday, when Hanson was to take the mound against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Kotchman strained his right calf and bruised his right shin when he was hit by a pitch from Arizona's Max Scherzer on May 31.

Kotchman was unable to run without discomfort during batting practice on Sunday.

Kotchman is eligible to come off the disabled list on June 16 at Cincinnati. Martin Prado made his fifth straight start at first base against the Brewers.

Chipper Jones started at third base after leaving Saturday night's game with dizziness.

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