Jordan Walden played catch for the second consecutive day Tuesday and his shoulder continues to feel good, but manager Fredi Gonzalez said he doesn’t expect him to be quite ready when he’s eligible to come off the disabled list Monday. The Braves want Walden to throw a bullpen and then head out for at least two appearances in a minor league rehabilitation assignment.
Walden threw from 150 feet Tuesday and said his shoulder continues to respond well. He expects to throw a bullpen either Wednesday or shortly after the Braves head out on a five-game trip to New York and Toronto.
“It’s strong right now,” Walden said. “I played catch today and it was a lot better than almost all season.”
Walden said the shoulder flared up after his outing against the Nationals on May 2. He gave up five runs in 1 1/3 innings over his next three appearances before going on the DL.
“You try to pitch through it, but it gets to a point where you’re just hurting the team and hurting your arm,” Walden said.
Rest day coming for Upton
Gonzalez said he plans to rest Justin Upton in Wednesday’s series finale against the Twins so he can get the benefit of two days’ rest with the off day Thursday. Upton missed his only other start on May 8 in Cincinnati but entered the game in the seventh and played the final three innings. Gonzalez said he’ll also get Evan Gattis in the lineup likely at catcher.
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