The Braves had suffered three straight shutout losses for the first time since 1988 entering today's game.

When asked if he is rushing his return, Jones said: "Probably. But I feel a little backed into a corner."

Asked to elaborate, Jones indicated some doubted he was injured enough to miss games.

"Let's just say there are people who don't believe me," Jones said. "Let's just say that and leave it at that."

After yesterday's 5-0 loss to the Tigers, Braves starting pitcher John Smoltz said, "You can't worry about who's in the lineup and who isn't. You can't worry about that stuff anymore."

Added Smoltz: "I certainly appreciate the effort of the guys who are on the field busting it."

When asked about his sore shoulder, Smoltz said: "We all could wish we were feeling better but that's the way it goes."

Manager Bobby Cox's original lineup had Yunel Escobar playing third base as Cox anticipated Jones missing another game with his strained right adductor muscle.

Jones apparently sustained the injury, which is in the groin area, during Tuesday's game against Boston. He left Wednesday's game with the injury and was held out yesterday following an off day Thursday.

Jones tested the injury by taking a few swings in the indoor batting cage and then took more swings during the team's regular batting practice, with Cox and trainer Jeff Porter watching.

Jones hasn't played a full season since 2003. He's been on the DL four years in a row with a variety of ailments: a hamstring problem three years ago, an injured foot the following season, a strained oblique last year.

Jones moved back into the lineup as the cleanup hitter.

Cox tweaked his lineup Saturday, moving left fielder Willie Harris into the leadoff spot ahead of the normal leadoff hitter, second baseman Kelly Johnson, who hit second.