BJ Upton Starts Rehab in Gwinnett & Other Injury Updates

Credit: Chris Roughgarden

• BJ Upton started his rehab assignment in Gwinnett last night with little fanfare.  BJ hit in the led-off spot and played centerfield.  He went 0-3 with a fly out, ground out and strikeout, tracked down 4 fly balls and was removed after 6 innings.  Here is what BJ had to say after the game:

"“At-bat wise, I haven’t seen live pitching in over two weeks. To come out the first day and feel the way I did, I felt pretty good,” he said. “I took a couple of good passes on balls away from me. Overall, I am pretty satisfied today. I don’t see (the injury) being an issue tomorrow.”"

• If all goes well with Jordan Schafer, he could start his rehab in Gwinnett this weekend. Jordan is coming back from a fractured ankle.

• Paul Maholm has been throwing catch lately to test his injured wrist and could throw a bullpen session this weekend.  He is eligible to come off the DL on Monday, but he will probably make a rehab start or at least throw some simulated games before re-entering the rotation.  Maholm is eligible to come off the DL on August 5th and the next time his rotation spot comes up after that will be on August 10.  Will be interesting to see how this one plays out having 6 starters for 5 spots.

• Gerald Laird isn’t on the DL, but is in some serious pain trying to pass a kidney stone and is unavailable right now.  Kidney stones are no joke and I hope he feels better soon.

• With the Braves now sporting a double-digit lead in the NL East I don’t think they will rush anyone to get back in a hurry. It is better that these guys take their time, and make sure they are 100% before they make their return.