Walden eyes return from back injury

Braves right-hander Jordan Walden, out since Feb. 23 with a bulging disk in his back, said he’s scheduled to throw batting practice on Saturday after a pair of bullpen sessions went well.

“We’ll see how it goes,” Walden said Friday. “I’m feeling really good. I’m rehabbing a lot and I feel great. I want to get back out there.”

Walden said he hopes to pitch in a game early next week “but that’s not my call.” He said he anticipates he will be ready by the start of the regular season.

The Braves acquired Walden from the Angels in a trade for Tommy Hanson last November. He’s expected to serve in a setup role for Atlanta.

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