J. Upton exits game after fouling ball off knee

MIAMI -- Braves outfielder Justin Upton was feeling some discomfort and frustration after exiting the fourth inning of Tuesday night's 4-3 win over the Marlins with a bruised right knee.

Manager Fredi Gonzalez said he might give Upton a chance to rest when the Braves oppose Miami's rookie phenom Jose Fernandez on Wednesday. But Upton is holding out hope that he will be able to make an immediate return to Atlanta's lineup.

"If I can run, I'm going to play," Upton said.

Upton could not run without displaying some hesitation after he fouled Tom Koehler's 2-2 pitch off his knee in the fourth. He composed himself while standing out of the batter's box for approximately 30 seconds, then looked at two consecutive balls to draw a walk that led him to cautiously jog toward first base.

Once Upton reached the first-base bag, he was greeted by trainer Jeff Porter and Gonzalez. Upton once again showed some reluctance as he jogged along the right-field line before heading to the clubhouse without the need for assistance.

"It was a little tender," Upton said. "Every time I stepped on it, it wasn't comfortable. There's a lot of discomfort there. So we'll see what happens."

Upton's frustration was a product of his belief that his decision to swing at a bad pitch led him to foul the pitch off his knee.

"It's really annoying," Upton said. "It's stupid. You swing at bad pitches and pay for it."

B.J. Upton replaced Justin and remained in the game as the center fielder, with Jordan Schafer moving to right.