Peter Moylan knows he'll probably need reconstructive elbow surgery in a couple of weeks, but the Braves reliever is holding out hope it can be avoided.

A bone spur has compromised the ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow. Dr. James Andrews recommended Moylan get treatment for two weeks before he's reevaluated and a decision is made on "Tommy John" surgery.

"Even after one day [of treatment], it feels unbelievable," the Aussie right-hander said Friday, speaking to reporters for the first time since Andrews confirmed Wednesday the earlier diagnosis of a Braves doctor.

Moylan shagged balls in the outfield during batting practice Friday and said his arm felt so good he had to force himself to toss balls underhanded instead of testing it with his regular throwing motion.

"When I left Sunday I couldn't bend or straighten my arm," he said, demonstrating how he could do that Friday. "I'm not saying it's a miracle; the bone spur's still in there."

But, he said, "If it can heal itself, there's a chance we might be OK."

The Braves and Moylan know that's unlikely.

He was told a piece of bone spur on his elbow has fractured, and the spur has rubbed against the ligament. Moylan had some soreness in spring training, and had pain and severe swelling Saturday after filling in for disabled closer Rafael Soriano and converting a save the night before.

Soriano, who's on the disabled list with elbow tendinitis, is eligible to be activated Tuesday, but it's not certain whether he'll need a little more time.

Losing Moylan would be a big blow to the Braves. The sidearming setup man was one of the majors' top relievers in 2007, when he ranked third in the National League with 90 relief innings and had a 1.80 ERA.

Since allowing three runs in his first appearance of 2007, he had posted a 1.51 ERA in his past 86 appearances, including a 1.59 ERA in seven this season.