Braves get first baseman Kotchman back from calf injury

CINCINNATI -- The Atlanta Braves activated first baseman Casey Kotchman off the 15-day disabled list before the start of their series against the Cincinnati Reds.

First baseman Barbaro Canizares was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett to open a spot on Tuesday. He was called up on June 11 and went 2 for 11 in four games.

Kotchman went on the disabled list on June 7 after straining his right calf. He played two games at Gwinnett on a rehabilitation assignment, going 0 for 3.

Kotchman was in the starting lineup Tuesday night against the Reds, batting .288 with a team-high 14 doubles despite missing two weeks because of the injury.