The Braves are 0-4 for the first time since 1988 after losing 8-3 to the Houston Astros on Monday in a game filled with sloppy defense and not enough offense. Backup third baseman Juan Francisco had three errors for the Braves, leaving fans and manager Fredi Gonzalez eager for the return of Chipper Jones.

He’s expected to come off the disabled list for Tuesday’s game against the Astros, and not a minute too soon, as it turns out.The last time Atlanta started off a season 0-4, it was part of a 10-game skid to open the 1988 season. The team went on to an NL-worst 54-106.

Atlanta’s had a couple of hard-luck losses in this 0-4 start, and Monday was the first time the Braves had coughed up a lead this season, after leading 3-0 through three innings. It’s early enough that Gonzalez can afford to tinker a little bit, but I’m sure Braves fans would prefer he do it after the losing streak.

For six innings, Sunday’s series finale against the New York Mets resembled the first two games. After falling behind by seven runs, the Braves finally got their offense going late but it wasn’t enough to prevent a 7-5 loss. Atlanta is 0-3 for the first time since opening against Montreal in 2003 and only the second time since losing its first 10 games in 1988.

Last year Atlanta was not swept in a series of three games or more until Sept. 5-7 at Philadelphia. The Braves said Chipper Jones will work out in Houston before Monday night’s game at the Astros. He is eligible to come off the disabled list Tuesday following surgery March 26 to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee.