Denver — Good news is finally coming for the back of the Braves bullpen. Mike Gonzalez will re-join the Braves Tuesday in Texas and is ready to be activated from the disabled list on Wednesday, manager Bobby Cox said.

The former closer is two weeks past his year anniversary of having ligament transplant surgery on his elbow. One setback prevented his return in mid-May, but Gonzalez has rounded into form after four minor league rehabilitation appearances in Class AA Mississippi and five in AAA Richmond.

"He's throwing good, they say," said Cox, who envisions using him in key situations late in games from the get-go. "Hopefully we can count on him for the very end — eighth and ninth. If he's back to his old form, it's a huge plus."

The news is finally positive for a Braves team that has endured watching Rafael Soriano return to the disabled list this week with the same elbow problems that kept him out for the first two months and John Smoltz's attempt to return as closer end in season-ending shoulder surgery.

Gonzalez hasn't pitched in a game for the Braves since May 15, 2007, when his velocity suddenly dropped off into the low 80s. Even in all the pain he endured last season, Gonzalez was 2-0 with a 1.59 ERA in 18 appearances and converted both of his save chances.

Gonzalez, who reaches the upper 90s in top form, has been in the low 90s with his fastball since he first starting pitching in games in extended spring training. He was using these last few outings in AAA to hone his breaking ball.

In nine rehabilitation outings combined, he was 1-0 with an 0.82 ERA, allowing one earned run in 11 innings. He walked one and struck out 12.

Gonzalez brings experience as a closer from his days in Pittsburgh, prior to his trade to Atlanta in January of 2007. He has converted 30 of 33 saves for his career, including the last 30 in a row.