KANSAS CITY -- Although Alexi Ogando's recent inherited runner numbers don't look good, Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez continues to show great faith in the veteran right-hander.
After Salvador Perez stroked a two-run single off Ogando in the eighth inning in Friday's 5-1 loss to the Royals, seven of Ogando's 11 inherited runners had crossed the plate this season. But Gonzalez indicated he won't waver in using Ogando as a key component for Atlanta's bullpen.
"If you watch the pitch that he threw to Perez, I don't know how Perez hit that ball," Gonzalez said. "It's a foot outside, down and going away. He just went out and got it and put it in play. That was a good pitch. You've got to tip your hat to Perez there on that particular pitch."

Gonzalez doesn't envision a change in Ogando's role.
"We'll use him like we use him now," Gonzalez said. "Hopefully get him some right-handers [hitters]. For me, he's a versatile piece in the bullpen. You could use him as a short reliever or you could throw him out there for two or three innings. We can use him in different parts of the game."