N.L. East.(BASEBALL)

ATLANTA BRAVES

RHP Chris Reitsma's fastball and above-average changeup give him the weapons to be a successful closer, but his control has been a problem. He has remained the closer because the club doesn't have a better option. However, RHP Jorge Sosa soon could get a chance to prove he can handle the role.... RHP Chad Paronto's heavy sinker could get him a consistent role in the bullpen. Manager Bobby Cox will use Paronto when the team needs to turn a double play. TSNUMBER: 136--Plate appearances before RF Jeff Francoeur, who didn't draw his first career walk until his 131st at-bat last season, drew his first walk this season. Francoeur, 22. scrapped his preseason plan to be more selective after going 2-for-36 at the start of the season. The team still wants him to be more selective, but it doesn't want him to lose his aggressiveness.--Mark Bowman

FLORIDA MARLINS

RHP Logan Kensing was called up when RHP Franklyn German (shoulder) was placed on the D.L. Kensing's ability to command his slider is the key to his success. In the past, he relied heavily on his fastball and his off-speed pitches were ineffective. He'll fill a setup and middle-relief role but could be a future closer.... 1B Mike Jacobs' struggles, especially at home, can be attributed partly to overswinging and hitting too many fly balls in a home park not friendly to lefthanded hitters. Jacobs is working on trying to hit more line drives. TSNUMBER: 156--Walks allowed by the Marlins entering the week. Though the young staff is gaining experience, it is being damaged by free passes, which have led to a number of big innings. High walk totals are leading to starters exiting games earlier and the bullpen being used more than manager Joe Girardi would like.--Joe Frisaro

NEW YORK METS

RHP Brian Bannister (hamstring) will move back into the rotation when he comes off the D.L., perhaps as early as this week. The injuries to Bannister and RHPs Victor Zambrano (elbow) and John Maine (finger) have prompted the club to begin looking for starting pitching help, but the Mets don't feel compelled to pursue a front-of-the-rotation starter for a back-of-the-rotation vacancy.... 2B Kazuo Matsul clearly has improved this ...