If things go as the Braves hope, they could have utility man Omar Infante ready in two to three weeks and lefty Mike Gonzalez back in their bullpen by late May.

Given the state of the bullpen, Gonzalez is particularly good news. Keep in mind, as a closer with Pittsburgh in 2006 he converted 24 of 24 save opportunities and had a 2.17 ERA with 64 strikeouts in 54 innings.

He's nearly 11 months into recovery from "Tommy John" surgery, and pitching effectively in simulated games at extended spring training in Florida.

Surgery was May 31, and the prognosis was a return around the All-Star break. Because of progress over the winter, that date was moved up to early June.

Manager Bobby Cox said the Braves now think Gonzalez can get back even sooner.

While he wouldn't be expected to be a full strength right away, he will have had about 1 1/2 months of facing hitters in simulated games and a forthcoming minor-league rehab assignment. He could help the Braves immediately.

And by the second half of the season, he might be ready for a major role.

The Braves are talking to teams about possible trades for relief pitching help, but at this point of the season teams aren't likely to trade any reliever who doesn't come with question marks. A gamble, in other words.

Gonzalez, if healthy, could be a lot better than anything available.

Meanwhile, the Braves might soon have the proven utility man they traded for in December. Infante, who's been recovering since January from a broken hand, took batting practice this week at Florida and Friday at Turner Field.

General manager Frank Wren said he should be ready soon for a minor league rehab assignment that might last 7-10 days.

The Braves got Infante from the Cubs in a trade at the Winter Meetings, and he broke his left hand a month later when hit by a pitch in winter ball.

Wren and Cox had to make several adjustments to their roster plan this spring, since they had been expecting Infante to be their primary backup at three infield positions and play some center field.