Kurt Suzuki will return to Braves lineup Saturday

Kurt Kiyoshi Suzuki was born Oct. 4, 1983 in Wailuku, Hawaii. Suzuki grew up in Hawaii on the island of Maui. Suzuki attended Cal State Fullerton and is a member of the school’s athletics Hall of Fame. Suzuki led the Titans to the 2004 NCAA championship and was drafted in the second round (67th overall) by Oakland. Suzuki made his major league debut on June 12, 2007 for the Athletics. Suzuki played in the 2014 All-Star game while a member of the Minnesota Twins. Suzuki signed with the Braves as a free a

The Braves breathed a sigh of relief when Kurt Suzuki’s X-ray and CT scan results were negative. He’s scheduled to return to the lineup Saturday, according to manager Brian Snitker.

Suzuki was hit in the elbow during an at-bat in the Pittsburgh series earlier in the week. Fortunately for the Braves, he didn’t require time on the disabled list. Suzuki felt he could be available as a pinch-hitter during his down days, but ultimately the team stayed away from that idea.

“He’s fine,” Snitker said. “Did everything today, could’ve pinch-hit (Thursday). Probably could’ve played him today, but we’ll give him one more and get him back out there tomorrow.”

If that’s the case, Suzuki would’ve only missed three games. He’d hit in eight consecutive games with a .357 (10-for-27) average before the injury.

Suzuki is available as a pinch-hitter Friday in Miami. He’s hit .234 (40-for-171) in 44 road games this season.