» 3B Camargo likely to start season on DL,

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLA. — The likelihood of Braves third baseman Johan Camargo going on the disabled list has increased to the point where manager Brian Snitker said a decision will have to be made in the next couple of days, and he’s leaning in the direction of DL.

Camargo has been out just over a week with a strain in his right oblique/lower back area and hasn’t faced a pitcher since his last game March 13. He was cleared to begin hitting balls off a tee only Wednesday and the Braves are running out of time to get him ready for opening day, Snitker said.

“I was kind of hoping maybe he’d be in the game today,” Snitker said before Wednesday night’s game against the Tigers. “But those (side or back strains), you just don’t want to mess with it.”

If Camargo starts on the DL, the Braves seem likely to carry third baseman Rio Ruiz and have utility men Charlie Culberson and Danny Santana also available to play some third base. While Ruiz could also make the roster with Camargo healthy, it seemed more likely they would go with an extra out- fielder or third catcher rather than a second third baseman.

The Braves are expected to open with an extra bench player since they won’t need a fifth starting pitcher until the second week. Veteran Chris Stewart remains an option for the extra spot as a third catcher.

Gomez back to Yankees: After Anyelo Gomez gave up nine runs and two homers in his past two relief appearances for the Braves, he was returned Tuesday to the Yankees, from whence he came in the December Rule 5 Draft.

The right-hander had a 10.80 ERA over seven appearances this spring.