After three frustrating weeks, Tom Glavine finally got a sign that his left elbow is healing and that he might pitch again this season.

"I was pleasantly surprised the last two days," said the 42-year-old left-hander, on the disabled list with a partially torn flexor tendon.

Glavine hadn't noticed any improvement during stretching and rehab sessions for three weeks, but did Wednesday when head trainer Jeff Porter prodded and stretched the elbow without producing the discomfort the movements caused previously.

Glavine was cleared to begin resistance exercises and drills to re-strengthen the shoulder, and he said Thursday he didn't feel any next-day soreness after the activity.

He'll accompany the Braves on the Los Angeles-San Diego trip next week and have his first throwing session Tuesday — four weeks after his last start at Chicago, where he pitched three innings before the pain became too great.

"If I start throwing and it feels good, I would love to get back on the mound in the first couple of days after the All-Star break," said Glavine, who said there's no timetable for his return, but is taking a go-as-he-feels approach that will let him move forward when he's ready.

Glavine was anxious after three weeks without progress and had planned to try throwing next week regardless any signs of improvement. He figured time was running out if he had any chance to return this season.

Now, rather than cross his fingers and hope the elbow wouldn't throb when he throws next week, Glavine has some reason for optimism.

If the pain returns after he starts throwing, he could decide to have surgery right away, which would increase his chances of being ready next season, should he decide to pitch again.

Glavine, who has won 305 games, said he'll have surgery if the flexor tendon doesn't heal on its own. Whether he pitches again or retires, he wants to have a healthy elbow that would permit him to play with his children — throw batting practice to them, play hockey with them — and yes, play golf.

Although he seriously considered retiring last season, Glavine said he would not rule out coming back from possible elbow surgery to pitch again. Before he made that decision, he would have to sit down with Braves general manager Frank Wren and see if the team was interested in having him back.

"I haven't made up my mind about what I want to do next year," he said. "This is not how I wanted it to end. On the other hand, at some point you have to pay attention to your body if it's trying to tell you this is the end. If it's at that point yet, I don't know."

Prado replaces Lillibridge

Utility infielder Martin Prado was activated from the disabled list and immediately inserted in the starting lineup Thursday at second base.

Rookie infielder Brent Lillibridge was optioned to Class AAA Richmond to open a roster spot for Prado, who missed two months with a partially torn ligament in his left thumb.

"It's going to be like opening day, that's what it feels like," said Prado, who hit .282 with six RBIs and a .383 on-base percentage in 18 games before he got hurt.

Lillibridge has hit .154 (4-for-26) with two doubles, one RBI, no walks and nine strikeouts in 26 at-bats during two stints with the Braves this season.

Manager Bobby Cox said left fielder Matt Diaz would probably begin a brief minor-league rehab assignment within the next five days. He has been out a month with a partially torn knee ligament.

Kotsay gets day to rest

After going 0-for-8 in his first two games back from the disabled list, center fielder Mark Kotsay was out of the lineup Thursday. He could get more than the usual days off in an effort to keep his balky back from flaring again.

Kotsay missed five weeks with a bulging disc in his lower back. It was a different disc than the one he had surgically repaired in March 2007 when he was with Oakland.

Hot-hitting rookie Gregor Blanco started in center field Thursday, where he played while Kotsay was out. Blanco moved to left for the first two games in the series.