ATLANTA — Brian McCann was cleared for pinch-hit duty today, opening the way for backup catcher Corky Miller to be designated for assignment by the Atlanta Braves.

The Braves waited until after batting practice to clear a roster spot for left-hander Chuck James to be recalled from Triple-A Richmond to start against Milwaukee on Friday night.

McCann took batting practice and caught in the bullpen on Friday before he was cleared by the team's medical staff. He said he will be available to pinch-hit until Monday, when he plans to start.

Rookie catcher Clint Sammons, who had three hits, including his first career homer, and drove in three runs in Thursday night's win over St. Louis, was in the starting lineup again on Friday night.

"He caught a nice game as well," said manager Bobby Cox of Sammons.

Sammons appears set to remain on the roster as the backup when McCann starts.

Miller was hitting only .093 (5 for 54) with one homer and three RBIs. He started 15 games.

McCann left Sunday's game with a mild concussion suffered in a collision with Philadelphia's Shane Victorino.

"I'm able to pinch-hit the next three nights and catch in an emergency," McCann said after batting practice. "On Monday I'll be back in there every day."

McCann, an All-Star, is hitting .302 and leads all major league catchers with 20 homers, 28 doubles and 63 RBIs.

Cox is eager to have McCann bolster the depleted middle of the Braves' lineup.

"He feels as good as he can feel," Cox said.

All-Star third baseman Chipper Jones has been on the disabled list since July 24 with a hamstring injury. First baseman and cleanup hitter Mark Teixeira was traded to the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday.