David Zalubowski / AP

Julio Franco is a 24-year veteran with 2,576 career hits and is a lifetime .298 hitter.

updated 4:04 p.m. ET July 18, 2007

ATLANTA - Julio Franco will get another chance to swing the bat in the big leagues.

The 48-year-old utilityman signed with Atlanta on Wednesday, rejoining the Braves a week after he was cut by the New York Mets.

Franco cleared waivers during the Braves’ game against Cincinnati. Atlanta signed him for the rest of the season and said he would be activated for Thursday night’s game against St. Louis.

Franco, who turns 49 next month, played for the Braves in a backup role from 2001-05. He is a 24-year veteran with 2,576 career hits and is a lifetime .298 hitter.

He hit just .200 (10-for-50) with one homer as a reserve with the Mets. Franco will serve in the same capacity for Atlanta.

This season, Franco became the oldest player to hit a home run in major league history. He has said he would like to play until he turns 50.

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