Braves catcher Christian Bethancourt (thumb) isn't in the lineup for Game 1 of Sunday's doubleheader with the Cardinals, Kevin McAlpin of 680 The Fan reports.
Bethancourt hasn't played since Thursday while dealing with the left thumb contusion. It's likely that the Braves will just give Ryan Lavarnway and A.J. Pierzynski the starts behind the plate for the doubleheader, allowing Bethancourt to get an early start on his offseason. He should be over the thumb injury in quick fashion.