Wohlers Set to Return to Braves

Former Atlanta closer Mark Wohlers will rejoin the Braves on Thursday despite a 21.59 earned-run average in the minor leagues.

Braves’ General Manager John Schuerholz said Wohlers will finish his stint at triple-A Richmond, where he is working on mechanics, while the Braves play a two-game series at New York against the Mets.

The right-hander will return to the major league roster when Atlanta begins a four-game series against Milwaukee at Atlanta’s Turner Field.

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Al Leiter, on the disabled list since June 27 because of a partial tear of a tendon in his left knee, pitched batting practice at New York and may start for the Mets this Saturday against Philadelphia.

Leiter, who threw for approximately 12 minutes, will be evaluated today before a decision is made.

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Chicago Cub outfielder Lance Johnson, who has missed the past 67 games because of an inflammation of the right hand, was activated from the 60-day disabled list.

Johnson’s problems began during a game against the San Diego Padres on April 27. He is batting only .115.

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New York Met closer John Franco, suspended for three games for bumping an umpire, has an appeal hearing scheduled for Thursday in New York.

Franco is available for today’s game against the Atlanta Braves.

Franco was suspended for three games for bumping umpire Angel Hernandez after a controversial play at the plate in a 3-2 loss at Atlanta on July 5.

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The Montreal Expos activated outfielder Robert Perez from the 15-day disabled list. Perez missed 18 games after suffering a sprained left wrist in a 4-1 victory over Atlanta on June 21.

To make room for Perez, the Expos optioned infielder Jose Vidro to triple-A Ottawa.