by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer (5/14/2013)Brian McCann has yet to start three games in a row since making his season debut May 6, but to me, his productivity tells you everything you need to know about his health. Coming back from offseason shoulder surgery, I thought he might need a few weeks to get back to being a plus offensive catcher, assuming he ever did. But with three home runs in six games, he's already proven those concerns invalid.
Now, he just needs to prove he can handle his usual workload.
If he keeps hitting like that, the Braves will realize his high-contact bat is more valuable than ever in a lineup full of free swingers, and they'll play him. That's how I see it anyway, and my rankings now reflect it. McCann is now ninth among catchers, with room to rise from there.
Brian McCann having no issues since DL activation
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (5/14/2013) Braves catcher Brian McCann homered for the third time in four games Monday against the Diamondbacks. He also tied a season-high with three RBI.
Since coming off the disabled list May 6, McCann is batting .333 (7 for 21) with a .762 slugging percentage, three home runs and 10 RBI in six games.
Brian McCann homers for second straight day
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (5/11/2013) Braves catcher Brian McCann homered for the second straight game Friday against the Giants, going 1 for 3 and driving in two runs. His homer was one of just two extra-base hits for the Braves, who were held to three hits.
McCann is 5 for 16 with two home runs and seven RBI in four games since returning from the disabled list.
Brian McCann slugs first homer
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (5/10/2013) Braves catcher Brian McCann found his stroke Thursday, going 3 for 5 in a 6-3 win over the Giants.
McCann hit his first home run of the season, a two-run shot to left center in the second inning, to open the scoring for Atlanta. He finished with three RBI and one run scored while striking out once.
McCann has four hits over his last two games since going 0 for 4 in his first game following his return from shoulder surgery.
Brian McCann goes 0-fer in debut
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (5/6/2013) Braves catcher Brian McCann made his season debut Monday night against the Reds. After missing time due to shoulder surgery, he went 0 for 4 with a walk in the 7-4 win.
McCann is expected to play Tuesday but could receive an off-day Wednesday.
Brian McCann hitting sixth in debut
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (5/6/2013) Braves catcher Brian McCann was activated from the disabled list and placed in the starting lineup for Monday's game at Cincinnati. McCann, who will be making his season debut after completing an extensive rehab program following offseason shoulder surgery, was behind the plate and slotted sixth in the batting order behind Evan Gattis, the left fielder.
Long wait over for Brian McCann
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (5/5/2013) Braves catcher Brian McCann (shoulder) completed his minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett Sunday and is set to join the parent club for Monday's series opener at Cincinnati, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. McCann went 0 for 1 with a walk while serving as the designated hitter in the seventh and final game of his rehab stint for a shoulder injury.
He finished 8 for 23 with four homers and nine RBI in the minors. The 29-year-old, who is slated to become a free agent at the end of the season, will likely be activated from the disabled list Monday.
"I feel great. I feel like I did before I had my surgery," he said. "The ball is coming out great. I'm ready to go and get the season started."
Brian McCann homers as DH in Triple-A rehab game
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (5/3/2013) Braves catcher Brian McCann served as the DH for Triple-A Gwinnett Friday, going 2 for 4 with a home run. The blast gives McCann four home runs over 22 at-bats in six rehab games.
McCann is slated to play catcher for Gwinnett Saturday and DH on Sunday before rejoining the Braves Monday, MLB.com reports.
Get ready for Brian McCann
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (5/3/2013) Evan Gattis' hot start was a nice story for the Braves, but they have to be happy that Brian McCann is on the verge of returning from offseason shoulder surgery. Fantasy owners should be pretty happy as well, as it looks like they might get a full Week 6 (May 6-12) out of him. Our own Scott White thinks you should feel comfortable starting him in Week 6, as he notes in his Hit Parade column.
The Braves will likely have three catchers on the roster once McCann is activated, so there should be plenty of opportunities to get him rest, which is a concern for Fantasy owners. McCann never really got going a year ago, but before that he was one of the best catchers in the game, and he still mas managed to extend his streak of 20-homer seasons to five. We know McCann can hit, and his upside as a hitter is tremendous.
McCann will get ample time off in his first week back, but he looks like a decent starting Fantasy option, especially in two-catcher formats.
Brian McCann could return Monday
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com (5/1/2013) Braves catcher Brian McCann will be re-evaluated Sunday, and could return to the team Monday, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
McCann has been rehabbing from offseason shoulder surgery, and has yet to play for the major-league club this year. McCann thinks he's ready to contribute, saying, "The way I feel, six months out, I feel really happy about it."
McCann still needs to show he can catch consecutive games. With Evan Gattis performing well to begin the year, the team could give McCann extra time off if he's ready to return.
Brian McCann targeting Monday for return
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (4/30/2013) Braves catcher Brian McCann (shoulder) took batting practice at Turner Field Tuesday. It was the first time he has interacted with his teammates since the end of spring training.
McCann could be ready to return from the disabled list in time for Monday's series opener at Cincinnati, barring any setbacks while he's on his rehab assignment.
"If I'm a betting man, then I would say he'll be there," manager Fredi Gonzalez told MLB.com.
Brian McCann could be back next week
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/30/2013) Braves catcher Brian McCann, who is moving his rehab assignment from Class A Rome to Triple-A Gwinnett, hopes to return to the lineup during the team's series next week at Cincinnati, which starts Monday. Manager Fredi Gonzalez said it's a definite possibility, per MLB.com.
McCann (shoulder) hit .273 (3 for 11) with one double, two home runs and five RBI in three games for Rome.
Brian McCann nearing finish line of rehab
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (4/29/2013) Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said catcher Brian McCann (shoulder) will likely rejoin the lineup while the team is on the road next week at Cincinnati (Monday-Wednesday) or San Francisco (Thursday-Sunday), the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. McCann, who is recovering from right shoulder surgery, is scheduled to play six or seven more rehab games this week before being activated from the disabled list.
He went 0 for 4 and caught nine innings during a game for Class A Rome Monday and will now head to Triple-A Gwinnett to continue the final stages of his rehab. Gonzalez indicated he would probably carry three catchers once McCann returns, along with Evan Gattis and Gerald Laird.
Brian McCann homers twice in Class A rehab assignment
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (4/26/2013) Braves catcher Brian McCann homered in each of his first two at-bats during his first rehab appearance with Class A Rome. According to MLB.com, McCann is scheduled to play five games at Rome before joining Triple-A Gwinnett.
McCann is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery and may be back with the Braves in two weeks.
Brian McCann could be back with Braves in two weeks
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (4/26/2013) Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez says catcher Brian McCann could rejoin the Braves in two weeks, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
McCann may play around 10 games during his rehab assignment, which is expected to start Friday. He's working his way back from offseason shoulder surgery.
Brian McCann moves to rehab Friday
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (4/26/2013) Braves catcher Brian McCann (shoulder) is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with Class A Rome Friday, keeping him on schedule for a possible return next week, MLB.com reports. McCann has been sidelined all season after having surgery on his shoulder during the offseason and could spend a fair amount of time in the minors.
Atlanta has not indicated how it will use McCann once he returns following the emergence of Evan Gattis, who is second only to John Buck (seven) for most homers in the National League (six).
Brian McCann moves past wrist soreness
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (4/21/2013) Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez told MLB.com on Sunday that catcher Brian McCann has displayed improved arm strength recently during his recovery from offseason shoulder surgery. McCann also has dismissed a sore right wrist that plagued him last week and is slated to begin catching in extending spring training games this week.
Brian McCann suffers setback
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (4/19/2013) Braves catcher Brian McCann was hoping to begin catching this week, but MLB.com reported Friday that the earliest he will get behind a plate is Monday. McCann is dealing with discomfort in his right wrist that has slowed his recovery from offseason shoulder surgery. He now hopes to play in a spring training came at the beginning of next week.
Brian McCann looking to catch Thursday or Friday
by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com (4/17/2013) Braves catcher Brian McCann is expected to catch a game Thursday or Friday for the first time since he underwent offseason shoulder surgery, MLB.com reports.
McCann encountered a hiccup earlier in the week, forcing him to return to Atlanta to evaluate a wrist injury. It appears he remains on track to return to the majors by late April or early May.
Brian McCann encounters wrist issue
by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com (4/17/2013) Braves catcher Brian McCann's rehabilitation from a shoulder injury was interrupted this week by a separate wrist issue, MLB.com reports.
McCann was forced to return to Atlanta to have the "tenderness" in his right wrist examined. McCann has since returned to rehab, but the Braves are unsure when he will be able to return to catching in rehab games.
Evan Gattis (and his 1.007 OPS) and Gerald Laird will continue to man the catcher position in Atlanta until McCann's return.
Brian McCann to play in extended spring training
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com (4/15/2013) Braves catcher Brian McCann will see some time behind the plate Wednesday or Thursday.
McCann will attempt to play during some extended spring training games this week. If that goes well, McCann hopes to be cleared to begin a rehab assignment. The 29-year-old is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.
Brian McCann won't catch until mid-April
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (3/27/2013) CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman reports Braves catcher Brian McCann (shoulder) isn't expected back until the second half of April. He will start hitting in games soon, but he won't catch until April 16, which would be the six-month anniversary of his shoulder surgery. McCann has already been placed on the 15-day disabled list. Evan Gattis and Gerald Laird are expected to fill the catcher role for the Braves until McCann returns.
Brian McCann participates in rehab game
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/26/2013) Braves catcher Brian McCann, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list due to his recovery from offseason shoulder surgery, participated in a rehab game with Triple-A Gwinnett Tuesday, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
McCann had a sacrifice fly and a fly out in two plate appearances. It was his first game appearance of the spring. He's only hitting at this point and is not yet running or catching for the Braves.
McCann is expected to be out until late April. The DL move is retroactive to March 22, so McCann would be eligible to return sooner than expected based on how quickly he recovers.
Braves place Brian McCann on 15-day DL
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com (3/25/2013) The Braves have placed catcher Brian McCann on the 15-day disabled list.
McCann has been recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, and is expected to be out until late April. The move is retroactive to March 22, so McCann would be eligible to return sooner than expected based on how quickly he recovers.
Last season, McCann hit .230/.300/.399 in 487 plate appearances.
What to do with Brian McCann?
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (3/24/2013) Braves catcher Brian McCann was already slipping in drafts this spring because of the concerns about his shoulder, but now that he could miss the first month of the season is going to weigh even heavier on his Draft Day value.
You go into Draft Day with the notion McCann is a mid-round draft-and-stash option. I don't think that changes now that McCann's absence goes from 1-2 weeks to perhaps a month or a bit longer. The upside is still there and catcher is still a weak Fantasy position.
Though, if you draft McCann as your starter, then backup options worth drafting are A.J. Pierzynski, Ryan Doumit, Alex Avila, J.P. Arencibia, Jason Castro, Wilson Ramos and Nick Hundley.
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/23/2013) After the team expressed reserved optimism that he could join the lineup by the second week of the season, Braves catcher Brian McCann's return will likely be pushed back to late April, MLB.com reports. General manager Frank Wren said Saturday it is still too early to determine McCann's status as he returns from offseason shoulder surgery, but he will begin the season on the disabled list. Previously, club officials said McCann was on schedule to return April 16, but he continues to be restricted in his throwing program.
Brian McCann looking 'perfect'
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/16/2013) Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said Saturday that catcher Brian McCann (shoulder) is on target to return April 16, MLB.com reports. McCann took another round of batting practice as he continues to build up strength in his right shoulder following offseason surgery and looked "perfect," according to Gonzalez. Atlanta opens a two-game series with Kansas City on April 16, the club's only homestand between April 7 and 29.
Gerald Laird might remain backup catcher
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (3/14/2013) CBSSports.com Senior Columnist Scott Miller reports Braves prospect Evan Gattis could play his way into the starting catcher job. With the Braves needing options behind the plate with Brian McCann (shoulder) expected to miss the start of the season, Gattis has played well enough this spring for the Braves to consider using him as the starting catcher and leaving Gerald Laird in the backup role. Gattis is batting .448 (13 for 29) with two homers, five doubles, seven runs and 10 RBI in 15 spring games.
For McCann, patience is a virtue
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/8/2013) Braves catcher Brian McCann completed another round of batting practice Friday without any problems associated with his right shoulder and is ready to take the next step in his recovery, MLB.com reports. McCann showed he has regained ample strength in his surgically repaired shoulder and laced line drives all across the field. In addition to playing long toss, he will take batting practice again Saturday, representing the first time he has completed those exercises on back-to-back days. "I've just got to be smart," he said. "Throwing was better than it has been, and hitting, it was the best I've felt. I'm making the necessary steps forward. I'm very encouraged by the way the ball is coming off [the bat]."
McCann takes first BP of spring
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (2/28/2013) MLB.com reports that Braves catcher Brian McCann took batting practice Thursday for the first time since having shoulder surgery last October. McCann will complete his rehab exercises and return the field on Saturday to take batting practice again and to build his arm strength. He threw from a distance of 120-feet without pain. "It was nice to get back in there and see something coming at you," McCann said. "I'm on pace. Everything they have asked me to do, I've done." McCain could be ready to begin the season as soon as mid-April.
McCann ready for BP
by Al Melchior | Data Analyst (2/28/2013) ESPN.com reports that Braves catcher Brian McCann is scheduled to take batting practice Thursday. The session, during which coaches will pitch to him, will mark the first time since having shoulder surgery last October that he will participate in batting practice. McCann has been hitting off a tee for the last several weeks. He could be ready to begin the season as soon as mid-April.
McCann looking at mid-April
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (2/16/2013) Braves catcher Brian McCann received another positive update Saturday regarding his surgically repaired right shoulder. Now the tough part is remaining patient with his rehab as the arduous process will likely keep him sidelined for at least the first two weeks of the regular season, according to MLB.com. "They said everything is on schedule and that everything looks good," McCann said. "The strength looks good. Each day, I'm pushing it a little bit more. When I can throw a ball as hard as I can and wake up and not be sore, that will probably be my sign that I'm ready to play in a game."
McCann to miss opening day?
by Nando Di Fino | Senior Fantasy Writer (2/7/2013) Braves catcher Brian McCann, who is still healing from October shoulder surgery, is aiming for a return around mid-April, meaning he will likely not be ready on opening day. This continues an enigmatic offseason of guessing McCann's return, as Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez had told MLB.com earlier this week that McCann could be ready for opening day. McCann, however, has yet to face live pitching. “Just started hitting off a tee," McCann told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "I started throwing last week, from 45 feet. Sixty feet this week. I’ve thrown a total of six times. Next week hopefully at 90 feet, and just go from there. I’ve got to build my arm strength back up.”
Opening day possible for McCann
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (2/4/2013) MLB.com reports Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said catcher Brian McCann, who is coming off October shoulder surgery, could realize his promise of being ready by opening day. However, the Braves will be smart as McCann strengthens his shoulder. Gerald Laird is expected to be the opening day catcher if McCann is unavailable.
McCann says he'll be ready
by Nando Di Fino | Senior Fantasy Writer (1/14/2013) Braves catcher Brian McCann, who underwent right shoulder surgery in October, expressed optimism when pressed about his readiness for 2013. "Being three months out of surgery, I feel like I'm ahead of schedule," McCann told MLB.com's Mark Bowman. "I feel better each day and I'm very encouraged by the signs that I have received recently." McCann could get clearance to play catch as early as the end of this week, and Bowman suggests that McCann could begin swinging a bat by the end of the month. Additionally, McCann says the surgery was a huge success for him, physically. "Now that I've had the surgery, I can tell a huge difference with my range of motion and flexibility. This is as free as my shoulder has been for a few years."
McCann won't get extension yet
by Al Melchior | Data Analyst (1/6/2013) Sirius XM Radio reports that the Braves and catcher Brian McCann will not discuss a contract extension until after the end of the 2013 season. McCann is entering the option year of his current contract, and he could become a free agent next offseason. He had shoulder surgery in October and is expected to miss the first month of the coming season.
