Braves taking their time with Pastornicky

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Manager Fredi Gonzalez believes that infielder Tyler Pastornicky will miss a week or more of Grapefruit League games while he rehabs for his surgically repaired right knee.

"We've got to take our time and make sure that thing is good," Gonzalez said. "He feels great when running forward."

Should Pastornicky's rehab continue into the regular season, Ramiro Pena will fill the role of utility fielder. Pena has played third base, shortstop, second base and outfield during his career. Pastornicky has played shortstop, second base and outfield since making his MLB debut in 2012.

Pastornicky tore an ACL in his left knee on Aug. 14 when he collided with Jason Heyward in right field while playing second base and underwent surgery on Aug. 19.

Pena sustained his own season-ending injury on June 9, when he landed on his right shoulder while making two diving catches against the Dodgers. He underwent surgery on June 27.