Rafael Soriano, who has been on the disabled list since June 13 with inflammation in his right elbow, should return to the team "in a couple of days," assistant general manager Bruce Manno said Thursday.

Soriano has been in his native Dominican Republic since last weekend.

Manno said Soriano has been attending to "some personal matter."

Soriano has had persistent discomfort in his elbow, but MRIs and other tests have not found any structural damage.

Soriano met with Dr. Lewis Yocum, who performed elbow reconstruction surgery on the right-hander in 2004, on June 13 when the team was in Los Angeles. Soriano, left Atlanta for the Dominican Republic when the Braves played a series in Toronto last weekend.

Soriano opened the season as the Braves' closer but has only three saves while appearing in nine games.

No Kotsay, no concern

Mark Kotsay was out of the lineup on Thursday night, only his third game back after missing 33 games since May 26 with a lower back strain, but he said he's had no new problem with his back.

"I haven't done anything to deserve to play today," said Kotsay, who was 0-for-8 in the first two games of the series against Philadelphia.

Braves manager Bobby Cox started Gregor Blanco in center field and made another lineup change, starting Martin Prado instead of Kelly Johnson at second base.

Lillibridge sent back to Richmond

As expected, the Braves activated Prado from the disabled list before the game and optioned infielder Brent Lillibridge to Triple-A Richmond.

Lillibridge participated in batting practice before he was given the news by manager Bobby Cox.

Lillibridge hit .154 in 26 at-bats in Atlanta. He was recalled from Richmond on June 21 and started six games at shortstop.

Lillibridge said he was already looking forward to his next chance to play in Atlanta.

"Absolutely. I'm ready for it," he said. "I'm ready for another chance."