Braves’ Mondesi may have played last game

ATLANTA – In a move that could lead to the end of Raul Mondesi’s career, the Atlanta Braves called up outfielder Kelly Johnson to start Sunday against Philadelphia.

Mondesi, hitting only .211 and struggling physically, was told he lost his starting job in right field. Mondesi was given a couple of days to decide whether he wants to remain with the team in a lesser role.

Johnson, hitting .310 with eight homers, 22 RBIs and seven stolen bases for Triple-A Richmond, began his minor league career as an infielder but has spent most of this season in the outfield.

Johnson was in the starting lineup in left field Sunday and went 0 for 3 in his major league debut.

The 34-year-old Mondesi revealed Saturday he is limited because of a sore right knee, which he attributed to a torn right quadriceps muscle he sustained last season. He said the injury saps his power and speed. He has four homers, 17 RBIs and no steals.

“His stats look bad, but if you look at it, he won some games for us,” manager Bobby Cox said. “He played as hard as he could. He wanted to help.”

Mondesi said he hasn’t decided whether he wants to prolong his career.

“I have to call my family and see what they think and decide after that,” Mondesi said after meeting with Cox and general manager John Schuerholz before Sunday’s game.

Mondesi said being placed on the disabled list isn’t an option he discussed with Cox and Schuerholz.

“I spoke to him in deference of his stature and his career,” Schuerholz said. “He’s going to take a couple of days to see if he wants to keep playing.”

With center fielder Andruw Jones the lone everyday outfield starter, Cox plans to divide playing time between Johnson, Ryan Langerhans, Brian Jordan and possibly Mondesi at the corner outfield spots.

By Tuesday, however, the Braves must clear a roster space to activate pitcher Mike Hampton, who is coming off the DL to start in Washington.

Langerhans, hitting only .187, is out of minor league options.

Johnson filled the roster spot of rookie pitcher Matt Childers, who was designated for assignment after Saturday’s game.

Schuerholz said he had no regrets about signing Mondesi to a one-year, $1 million base salary with up to $700,000 in incentives.

“I think it was a fair and reasonable gamble,” Schuerholz said. “We hoped to catch lightning in a bottle in terms of his rebounding to his old form. It didn’t happen. But you try those things from time to time.”