NEW YORK — Braves slugger Chipper Jones was scratched from Atlanta's lineup today after he was bothered by spasms in the middle of his back.

Jones' back started bothering him in the clubhouse before the Braves' game against the New York Mets. Martin Prado replaced him at third base.

Jones is off to a fast start this season, hitting a major league best .433 with seven homers and 20 RBIs in 23 games. He also has a .310 average with 19 homers and 53 RBIs in 84 career games at Shea Stadium.

Atlanta also was without shortstop Yunel Escobar, who shattered the fingernail of his right index finger when he was hit by a sinker in the Braves' 6-3 win Friday night. X-rays were negative but he probably will be sidelined until at least Tuesday.

With Escobar out, the Braves purchased the contract of Brent Lillibridge from Triple-A Richmond and started him at shortstop against the Mets. It was his major league debut.

Right-hander Phil Stockman was optioned to Atlanta's top farm club and right-hander Zach Schreiber was designated for assignment to make room for Lillibridge.