NEW YORK — Braves catcher Evan Gattis warmed up the pitcher between innings Tuesday and did some running and throwing Wednesday, his first tangible steps toward returning from a back injury (bulging disk) that landed him on the 15-day disabled list June 28.
Though there’s still no specific timetable for his return, Gattis said progress was made.
“Absolutely,” Gattis said as he headed to the field for a light workout before Wednesday’s game at Citi Field. “Back’s feeling better, man. Getting there. We’ll see how it goes. Running, doing some throwing, progressing.”
Gattis said he ran nearly a mile Wednesday afternoon and had no problems.
Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez reiterated that he doesn’t think Gattis will be ready to return immediately after the All-Star break, but indicated he might be ready for a minor-league rehab assignment by then. The four-day All-Star break is Monday through July 17.
“We’re going to be cautious about it because it could still be something else in addition to the bulging disk,” Gonzalez said. “It could still be a muscle. It could still be the original diagnosis, the (strained) rhomboid muscle, in addition. So yeah, we’re going to be cautious.”
When Gattis returns, Gonzalez expects talented rookie catcher Christian Bethancourt to be sent back to Triple-A, since the Braves have veteran Gerald Laird as a backup catcher and don’t intend to keep Bethancourt on the roster to play infrequently. Bethancourt hit .281 (9-for-32) with a double and two RBIs in eight games before Wednesday.
“I don’t have any plans to have (Gattis) play any other position,” Gonzalez said. “I think we’ll make a decision, Christian goes back. He needs to play. He’s done a hell of a job while he’s been here…. But again, I don’t know when Gattis is going to be back.”
