Chipper says he’ll be playing again soon

Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — Chipper Jones is aiming to return to the World Baseball Classic this weekend in Miami from his mild oblique strain.

Jones, who injured his side while swinging in Sunday night’s win over Venezuela, is expected to miss Wednesday’s game to decide first place in Pool C but thinks a few days off will be all he needs.

The U.S. opens second round play on Saturday, with games to follow either Sunday or Monday.

“[I] just want to take it easy a couple days, and, hopefully, I would say worst-case scenario, I’d be ready for the second round,” Jones told reporters on Monday, not entirely ruling out playing Wednesday either.

Jones did not participate in the workout on Monday, other than some light running and expected to do close to the same on Tuesday.

“I’m OK,” Jones said. “It’s just a couple days. It’s something that, Bobby [Cox] will tell you, I get it every year in spring training. With a switch-hitter, it’s very common, and something that I’ve had dozens of times.”

Jones went on the disabled list twice in 2006 with strains to his left oblique. This one is mild by comparison and it’s on his right side.

Cox and the Braves received a report from the U.S. team trainers and came away satisfied that there was no need for Jones to return to Braves camp and that he was taking proper precautions.

“Chipper’s smart,” Cox said. “He’s not going to do anything crazy and try to play with it right now.”

Besides, despite starting 0-for-7 with five strikeouts, Jones said he is having too much fun to leave the World Baseball Classic.

“You couldn’t get me away from here with a crowbar,” Jones said.