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ATL@BOS: Jurrjens hurls 7 2/3 frames of one-run ball

In the Major Leagues, every game matters.

It's a fact that Cubs' pitcher Chris Volstad has learned in his past four years of professional baseball.

The former 2005 first-round pick of the Marlins has been up and down from the Minors several times since his MLB debut in 2008, including a short stint earlier this season, beginning in May.

Volstad (0-6, 7.46 ERA) returns to Chicago's rotation Tuesday against Atlanta after spending over a month in triple-A Iowa.

"Things matter here," Volstad said of returning to the big leagues. "It's talked more about. Obviously, trying to get to the playoffs you have to win games. At the same time, [in the Minors], you should be able to enjoy the game and have fun. No matter what happens, I'm excited and definitely a different approach from my standpoint."

Volstad said he was the first to admit he needed to return to the Minors to tweak some kinks.

He chalked up a 2-3 record with a 4.44 ERA in eight starts for Iowa, giving up 25 earned runs on 59 hits and 12 walks.

"I had some things I needed to work on and things I needed to iron out," Volstad said. "I've done it before, but this time was different. I took the time I needed down there to work on some things -- nothing mechanical really, but [rather] my approach and in-game stuff."

Volstad added that his "whole attitude has changed" and said he now feels more relaxed and is enjoying the game more.

Volstad will bring that new attitude into Atlanta for the second game of the four-game series after the Cubs took the opener from the Braves, 4-1. Atlanta will look to even the set behind Jair Jurrjens (1-2, 6.07 ERA), who has turned in two solid starts since making his own return from a stint in the Minors.

Jurrjens started the season 0-2 with a 9.37 ERA in four starts with the Braves. It was enough to get him sent down to the Triple-A Gwinnett.

Since his return against Boston on June 22, Jurrjens holds a 1-0 record with a 2.03 ERA, allowing three runs in 13 1/3 innings of work.

Jurrjens was one out away from recording back-to-back quality starts for the first time since last July.

After an impressive return to the Majors, limiting the Red Sox to one run through 7 2/3 innings, Jurrjens received a no-decision in his most recent outing Thursday against Arizona.

His fastball consistently sat between 88 and 90 mph.

"I thought he did OK," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "I thought he did fine. He got out of a couple jams, and that was good to see."

Cubs: Day-to-day DeJesus
Cubs outfielder David DeJesus was scratched from Monday's lineup with a stiff neck.

He was replaced by All-Star Bryan LaHair in right field.

DeJesus has appeared in 73 games this season, batting .269 with two homers and 21 RBIs.

LaHair has played in 68 games, with a .284 average, 13 home runs and 28 RBIs.

Braves: Jones, Bourn vying for final NL All-Star spot
Chipper Jones has made seven All-Star appearances in his career.

The 40-year old is looking to add one more to his tally this season as he joins teammate Michael Bourn as two of the five National League Final Vote candidates.

Jones is batting .291 with six homers and 29 RBIs this season.

"When I've been in there, I feel like I've played well," said Jones, who has appeared in 44 games this year. "I just have not played a lot. Are there more deserving people? Yes. But I also get why I'm on the ballot. If people want me to go, I'd love to go."

Jones has already received the support of Nationals' outfielder Bryce Harper, who is also one of the finalists, along with D-backs second baseman Aaron Hill.

Jones called Harper's support a "classy move," and sent the rookie a thank you via text.

Despite 2012 being his last chance at All-Star glory, Jones said he is rooting for Bourn to make the final cut.

"I will campaign more for Mikey Bourn than I will for myself," Jones said. "He's been in there every day, and he's been the catalyst of our club. He might be our MVP, so why shouldn't he go?"

Bourn is batting .304 this season with seven homers and 29 RBIs.

• Braves catcher Brian McCann returned to the starting lineup Monday night, but in unfamiliar territory, batting seventh in the order. He hasn't hit that low since April 6, 2008.

In the final two weeks of June, McCann played in 12 games and hit .143 (7-for-49) with just two extra-base hits. He got an off-day Sunday but returned Monday, and his slump continued.

McCann went 0-for-3 on the night to lower his batting average to .224.

"I'm not happy with it at all," McCann said. "I show up here every day, and I've put a ton of work into getting this thing right. Unfortunately, so far, it comes and goes. I'm waiting to get it and then for it to stick for, hopefully, the rest of the year."

The six-time All-Star hasn't finished a season with an average lower than .269.

Worth noting
• The Cubs' four-game winning streak is their longest of the season.

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