Braves Bench Mondesi

In a move that could lead to the end of Raul Mondesi’s career, the Atlanta Braves called up outfielder Kelly Johnson to be the team’s starting left fielder.

Mondesi, hitting .211, was told he had 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 runs batted in 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 0 for 3 with a walk and an RBI on Sunday and threw out a runner at the plate in his major league debut.

Mondesi, 34, didn’t accompany the team on its flight to Washington on Sunday night. 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.

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The San Francisco Giants designated reliever Matt Herges for assignment to make room for new set-up man LaTroy Hawkins.

Herges was 1-1 with a 4.71 earned-run average in 21 appearances this season.

“It was one of the toughest decisions,” said Ned Colletti, Giant assistant general manager. “You always hate to part with a man like that.”

The Giants have 10 days to either trade Herges or release him.

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Chicago White Sox slugger Frank Thomas will be activated from the disabled list today, making him available to play for the first time since off-season surgery on his left ankle.

Thomas batted .190 in 11 games on a rehabilitation assignment, but Manager Ozzie Guillen said Thomas would rejoin the team for its game at home against the Angels.

“He’s healthy and ready to help this team,” Guillen said. “Our offense will be better. He’ll take the pressure off a couple of guys.”