Atlanta Braves catcher Evan Gattis scratched from lineup with quad strain

Mar 9, 2014; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves catcher Evan Gattis (24) bats against the New York Mets in spring training action at Tradition Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

It has been an injury riddled Spring Training for the Atlanta Braves, but the majority of that damage has taken place on the side of starting pitching. However, the lineup is apparently not immune, as starting catcher Evan Gattis was scratched from the lineup on Wednesday.

Because the injury to Gattis has been categorized as a “strain”, it seems like a relatively minor woe, but with the path of the recent injury problems, it’s almost difficult to believe that anything could be minor. The 27-year-old catcher emerged on the scene with a 21-home run season in 2013, and as a result of Brian McCann’s defection to New York, Gattis has been anointed with the starting gig as the 2014 season opens.

However, it was revealed earlier this week that Gattis had a knee procedure in the off-season (kept silent for months), and with the latest problem also being a lower body issue, it brings some worry. There is no indication that the quad strain will sideline him heading into the season, but if for some reason he can’t go, the Braves will likely turn to Gerald Laird as the primary option, with Ryan Doumit (yikes) or possibly Christian Bethancourt behind him.

Stay tuned for updates.