Braves GM Says He Asked About Beltran, Rasmus

ATLANTA – Braves general manager Frank Wren says he made inquiries about Carlos Beltran and Colby Rasmus before those players were traded this week and he continues to pursue ways to help his team’s push for the playoffs.

Atlanta has been linked in trade speculation involving Houston’s Hunter Pence and San Diego’s Ryan Ludwick. Wren said Thursday his outfielders, including Jason Heyward, Martin Prado, Nate McLouth and Jordan Schafer, who is on the disabled list with a finger injury, have enough position flexibility “to take on an offensive player that can help us.”

All-Star catcher Brian McCann, who has a strained left oblique, and Schafer were placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday. Third baseman Chipper Jones has been limited to pinch-hitting duty this week because of a quadriceps injury.
AP-NY-07-28-11 1938EDT