Heyward set to begin rehab assignment

Jason Heyward gave his legs one final test with some running during batting practice Wednesday and cleared his final hurdle before heading out on a minor league rehabilitation assignment.

Heyward was scheduled to fly back to Atlanta after Wednesday’s game and join Triple-A Gwinnett where he will play Thursday vs. Pawtucket in a 10:35 a.m. game. Heyward will then travel with Gwinnett to Scranton for a weekend series against the Yankees affiliate and then be re-evaluated after the weekend.

Depending on how Heyward fares he could make his return from an April 22 emergency appendectomy some time during the Braves three-game series in Arizona or when they return home May 17-19 vs. the Dodgers.