Suzuki avoids serious injury after being hit by bat

Braves catcher Kurt Suzuki felt fortunate to avoid a significant injury when he was struck in the head with Raffy Lopez’s backswing during the second inning of Sunday’s 4-1 win over the Padres at SunTrust Park. Suzuki exited the game and underwent a series of evaluations, none of which indicated he sustained a concussion. The veteran catcher will be available to play defense or serve as a designated hitter when the Braves open a two-game set in Toronto on Tuesday.