Struggling center fielder Michael Bourn was out of the starting lineup Friday in a move manager Cecil Cooper categorized as for the "really short term." Darin Erstad led off and played center.

"My leadoff hitter was doing really well and got up to .240, .242 and then got into a slump," Cooper said. "He's doing the things we want him to do, but he's grinding and the average is going the other way."

Bourn entered the Braves series in a 7-for-39 slump, including 1-for-17 in the series against the Dodgers. His average had dropped 12 points to .223 in the previous five games before Friday.

"I was frustrated because I thought I was starting to break through," Bourn said. "I was hitting the ball but wasn't finding holes. I'm fine. Once the day is over, I let it go."

Erstad went 1-for-4 with two runs scored and made a nice running catch on the outfield warning track.

BRAVES 6, ASTROS 2: The Astros were held to five singles and a Lance Berkman double against Braves starter Tim Hudson (9-6) and three relievers and lost for the fourth time in a row to fall into last place. They were 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position. Brian Moehler gave up six hits and five runs in six innings after three consecutive quality starts.

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