Braves outfielder Schafer feels fortunate after small fracture

Atlanta Braves outfielder Jordan Schafer is day to day with a small sinus fracture after fouling a bunt off his face.

Schafer was not in the starting lineup Saturday night against the New York Mets, but the Braves said there is no serious damage to his nose or eyes and he will not need to go on the disabled list.

“I feel very fortunate,” Schafer said. “I thought something was seriously wrong last night.”

He could be available as a pinch-runner or defensive replacement, and manager Fredi Gonzalez said he might put Schafer back in the lineup tonight.

Schafer was taken to a hospital Friday night after a frightening scene at Citi Field, but tests brought good news for the Braves, who already are missing injured outfielders Jason Heyward and Nate McLouth.

Schafer was called up from Triple-A Gwinnett on May 24 and was batting .229 with one RBI in 35 at-bats. The Braves say he has a small, non-displaced sinus fracture on the right side of his face and he will take over-the-counter medicine and antibiotics to prevent a sinus infection.

Posey does not condone threats

Buster Posey doesn’t support any of the threats made toward Scott Cousins, the Florida Marlins player who ended the San Francisco Giants catcher’s season in a collision at home plate May 25.

“I appreciate the continued support of Giants fans and others as I begin the process of working my way back,” Posey said in a statement. “But in no way do I condone threats of any kind against Scott Cousins or his family.”

Struggling Choo not in Indians lineup

Shin-Soo Choo is getting a breather.

Indians manager Manny Acta rested the slumping outfielder when Cleveland hosted the Texas Rangers.

Choo, who batted .300 in each of the last two seasons, is hitting .242 and has struck out 55 times in 207 at-bats. Acta believes Choo is pressing and wanted to give him a day off to clear his head.

Hughes encouraged by throwing session

New York Yankees right-hander Phil Hughes, sidelined since April 15 because of shoulder inflammation, threw 22 pitches to batters in a side session and was positive by the way it went.

Hughes said his progression was right where he wanted it. The next step is for him to throw another side session, followed by a two-inning simulated game.