Johan Camargo returns to Braves lineup

Braves infielder Johan Camargo. (Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com)

Braves infielder Johan Camargo. (Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com)

Johan Camargo rejoined the Braves lineup on Monday after a four-game absence. The Braves opened a three-game series with the Cardinals.

Camargo exited the Sept. 11 game in San Francisco with left-groin tightness. The Braves felt the third baseman could’ve returned over the weekend but took a more cautious approach.

“It’s a great feeling to be able to see your name in the lineup again,” Camargo said through an interpreter. “Obviously it hasn’t been the easiest process, but throughout that time I kept my confidence and held my head high. So I’m excited to be back in there.”

The absence wasn’t long enough for Camargo to feel discouraged. He only missed the finale against the Giants and the Nationals series. Charlie Culberson filled in admirably over that time (4-for-14, three RBIs) and the Braves went 2-2.

Camargo hit fifth and manned third in his return. He’d hit No. 2 prior to the injury, and excelled doing so, but manager Brian Snitker opted to work him back lower in the order.

Snitker likes Camargo in the fifth spot, behind Nick Markakis, with Ozzie Albies hitting second. Camargo has hit .333/.388/.514 with three homers and 20 RBIs across 27 games in the 5-hole.