BAUTISTA BACK IN MAJORS WITH BRAVES

ATLANTA» Jose Bautista stopped short of saying he won’t be flipping bats with the Atlanta Braves.

He’s still Joey Bats, after all.

“I don’t consider it part of my repertoire as a player,” Bautista said with a smile. “I’m just looking to contribute on the field and help these guys win ballgames.”

Bautista returned to the major leagues Friday after the Braves selected his contract from Triple-A Gwinnett. The 37-year-old was fifth in the batting order against San Francisco and doubled off the center-field wall in his first at-bat.

Unable to find a job during the offseason, Bautista agreed to a minor-league contract with the Braves on April 18 and hit .250 with one homer and eight RBIs at Gwinnett. He will get $819,672, a prorated share of his $1 million salary.

Atlanta wanted the sixtime all-star to play third base, a position he had not seen much time at since 2011.

He had two errors in 30 chances at Gwinnett.

Cueto to see specialist.

ATLANTA» Injured Giants pitcher Johnny Cueto will have his ailing right elbow examined by Monday by Dr. James Andrews in Gulf Breeze, Fla.

Cueto was placed on the disabled list this week with inflammation in his right elbow after going 3-0 with a major league-leading 0.84 ERA in five starts. Cueto hopes to avoid season-ending Tommy John surgery.

Cabrera goes on DL.

MO.» The KANSAS CITY,

Tigers placed designated hitter Miguel Cabrera on the DL with a right hamstring strain. Cabrera had missed three games with a biceps spasm.

Footnotes.

The Mets are cutting ties with former ace Matt Harvey. General manager Sandy Alderson says the 29-year-old righthander refused a minorleague assignment and will be designated for assignment. Harvey is 0-2 with a 7.00 ERA in four starts and four relief appearances. … Shortstop Dansby Swanson was placed on the 10day DL by the Braves with left wrist inflammation. … Brewers pitcher Zach Davies says he expects to miss just one start after being placed on the 10-day DL with right rotator cuff inflammation.