Atlanta Braves outfielder Jason Heyward took batting practice on Wednesday. The session impressed manager Fredi Gonzalez and hitting coach Greg Walker and the Braves are hopeful that Heyward will return next week.
“It went well, and that is not an easy thing to do,” Walker said via MLB.com. “Now it is all about him getting his timing.”
Heyward has not played since taking a fastball to his jaw on Aug. 21 from New York Mets starter Jon Niese.
The Braves will continue to have Heyward take batting practice, including this weekend at Wrigley Field. While no one is confirming it there is a chance that Heyward could return to the Braves lineup on Monday.
“I’ll play it by ear,” Heyward said. “I’m just taking it day by day now. We’ll see what happens this weekend and how I’m feeling when I get back home.”
