Jones back at Braves’ hot corner

Chipper Jones moved back to the infield, as expected. His position was the surprise.

Braves manager Bobby Cox put Jones at third base for Tuesday night’s game against the Kansas City Royals, replacing Mark DeRosa.

“It’s the only way we can get him in the lineup,” Cox said. “That’s what we’re going to do for a week or two. Or a game or two.”

Jones, an everyday third baseman from 1995-01, had been taking grounders at first in the past few weeks and was expected to play there since an injured right hamstring limited his mobility in left field.

Instead, the 1999 N.L. MVP was back at third. Cox made the decision to leave Julio Franco at first, since Franco is one of the Braves’ best hitters — he was 7 for 18 (.389) on the recent six-game road trip.

“Third is my natural position, I feel comfortable there,” Jones said. “I’ve never played an inning at first. It just seemed like the natural thing to do.”

DeRosa, one of Jones’ best friends, was noticeably disappointed.

“I just want this team to know — and I think they do — that I just want what’s best for our team,” he said. “I don’t think it’s me on the bench, and I think most guys would say that.”

Jones was on the disabled list from April 26-May 7 with a pulled hamstring, then injured it again earlier this month against Montreal.

Since then, Jones only returned to the lineup as a designated hitter when the Braves visited A.L. teams during interleague play.

Nixon to make season debut today

Trot Nixon will be activated from the disabled list and make his 2004 debut for the Red Sox today when they play in Colorado.

The right fielder has been on the DL since the start of the season with a slight herniated disk and a strained left quadriceps.He injured his back before the season started and was returned to Fort Myers, Fla., for rehabilitation. During his rehab period, Nixon strained the quadriceps muscle, which sidelined him for six more weeks.

Yankees put Brown on DL

Pitcher Kevin Brown was put on the 15-day disabled list by the Yankees because of a strained lower back.

The move was made retroactive to June 10, a day after Brown was forced to leave a start against Colorado after two innings. Outfielder Bubba Crosby was recalled from Triple-A Columbus.

Brown, 39, is 7-1 with a 4.13 ERA in 13 starts during his first season with the Yankees.

The right-hander had an MRI exam, CT scan and X-rays last Thursday, a day after injuring himself. He was initially listed as day-to-day by the Yankees.

•Yankees reliever Steve Karsay will shut down his throwing program for a few days after canceling a scheduled rehabilitation start due to shoulder trouble.

Beckett to come off DL

Florida ace Josh Beckett, on the 15-day disabled list because of a blister on the middle finger of his right hand, will start Thursday night against the White Sox.

Beckett threw another bullpen session Tuesday and reported no problems, clearing the way for his return.

The World Series MVP was placed on the DL on May 31 after lasting just 2 2/3 innings against the Mets.

Around the horn

First baseman Jeff Bagwell sat out the Houston’s game against Chicago after receiving a cortisone shot in his chronically achy right shoulder. He’s expected to miss just one game. … Ray Durham was activated from the 15-day DL and was in the lineup leading off and playing second base for the Giants. … Frustrated by a .246 batting average that is next to last in the majors, the Mets fired batting coach Denny Walling and replaced him on an interim basis with bench coach Don Baylor. … The Twins placed outfielder Michael Ryan on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Monday, because of a stretched nerve in his left shoulder. … Angels recalled right-handed reliever Derrick Turnbow from Triple-A Salt Lake.