Worth noting

• Michael Cuddyer left the team before Thursday night's game against the Braves because of a family issue. Charlie Blackmon started in right as part of a makeshift outfield. Corey Dickerson made the start in left while Carlos Gonzalez rested his sprained right middle finger.

Walt Weiss said he isn't sure when Cuddyer (.329, 17 HR, 62 RBIs) will return, but he hopes it will be during the three-game weekend series at Pittsburgh.

• Right-handed pitcher Roy Oswalt, who hasn't pitched since suffering a left hamstring strain on July 7, will throw his simulated game in Pittsburgh on Saturday, instead of Friday as originally scheduled. Oswalt hopes to follow that up with a Minor League rehab start, then return to the rotation.