ATLANTA -- While the Atlanta Braves might not agree with John Rocker's views on society, they clearly missed him on the field.
Rocker, suspended the first two weeks of the season for offending foreigners, minorities and gays, rejoins the roster Tuesday night against the Philadelphia Phillies, hoping to bolster a bullpen that struggled during his absence."We try not to worry about all the other stuff that's going to arise from Rock coming back," fellow reliever Mike Remlinger said. "He's going to be a big help to us, because we haven't had the April we wanted to have yet. He'll be a big part of turning it around."
The Braves' bullpen went 1-4 with a 5.14 ERA and two blown saves while Rocker was suspended. Former closer Kerry Ligtenberg, coming back from a serious elbow injury, has two saves, but a 10.13 ERA. Remlinger has three saves, but is more comfortable in a set-up role.
Manager Bobby Cox has no qualms about giving Rocker his job back after splitting 12 games without him. A year ago, the left-hander had 38 saves -- second most in franchise history -- and struck out 104 in 72 1-3 innings.
"We won't avoid using him," Cox said. "He's a talented pitcher, and that's what this is really all about."
Rocker drew mostly cheers when he pitched at Turner Field in an exhibition game April 1, two days before opening day. No organized protests were scheduled in conjunction with his return, although a civil rights official once again called on the Braves to trade Rocker.
"It's still a blemish on the Braves organization . . . and, to a certain degree, a shame for the city," said Michael Bond, deputy director of the NAACP's Atlanta chapter.
After his exhibition appearance in Atlanta, Rocker returned to Florida for extended spring training. He was back with the Braves in Milwaukee last weekend, working out during the games and doing everything else like a regular team member.
"They'll support him in Atlanta, but it won't be the same when we hit the road," third baseman Chipper Jones said. "People are going to be rough on him, and he understands that."
The Braves, who were off Monday, play their next nine games in Atlanta, easing the transition for Rocker. The team's next road trip begins April 28 in laid-back San Diego.
Rocker figures to receive his harshest reaction in places like Philadelphia (May 12-14), Chicago (May 29-31) and definitely New York, where Atlanta meets the Mets in a four-game series beginning June 29.
Already, photocopied fliers have been passed out at Shea Stadium advertising "John Rocker Battery Day" for Atlanta's first series in New York, where fans are still outraged by the pitcher's infamous interview with Sports Illustrated.