Justin Upton sat out Friday with a left hand contusion after getting hit by an Ubaldo Jimenez pitch Thursday night, as expected, but he said it was feeling better and was hopeful he would return to the Braves’ lineup Saturday against the Marlins.
Manager Fredi Gonzalez said he talked to Upton leaving the park Thursday night and Upton told him he’d be ready Saturday. Gonzalez said he wanted to give him a breather, though, but said he would be available off the bench….
Jason Heyward was cleared by his oral surgeon Thursday to do some light conditioning. He spent 30 minutes on the elliptical machine Friday as he takes the first steps in his comeback from a broken jaw. He’s eyeing a return in the playoffs….
Reliever Jordan Walden, who has been bothered by discomfort in both of his groin muscles, said a bullpen session Thursday went “OK” and did some light running Friday. He said it still bothers him pitching, “when I have to drive off the mound, especially with my little hop,” but that it’s getting better every day.
