Braves catcher Evan Gattis is slated to begin his minor league rehabilitation assignment Thursday with Triple-A Gwinnett, Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said, as he moves closer to his return from the 15-day disabled list.
Gattis has been taking batting practice with Single-A Rome, which he is scheduled to do again on Wednesday. If all goes well, he’s set to get his first game action as a designated hitter Thursday night in Triple-A Gwinnett.
Gattis will play in at least three or four minor league games before he’s ready to come off the disabled list, so the earliest he would return with the Braves would be Monday against the Marlins. He’s eligible to come off the disabled list at any time now.
Gattis has been out since June 27 with a bulging disc in his upper back. He received an epidural for pain and has made significant strides over the past four or five days. He began swinging off the tee Friday in Single-A Rome, then took batting practice over the weekend.
