Braves outfielder Jason Heyward has been on the 15-day disabled list since May 22 with soreness in his right shoulder and was called out recently by teammate Chipper Jones for not playing through minor injuries. Perhaps motivated by Chipper’s harsh words, Heyward took a big step toward returning Friday at extending spring training.
According to David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the 21-year-old right fielder hit off a tee and preformed “other baseball activities” down in Lake Buena Vista, Florida while reporting no issues with his shoulder. It was the first time he had swung a bat in three weeks.
The Braves are expected to begin ramping up Heyward’s rehab schedule this weekend. He should be taking batting practice and participating in extended spring training games within the next several days.
Heyward was batting just .214/.317/.407 with seven home runs and 14 RBI before his most recent injury. He finished the 2010 season with a promising .277/.393/.456 slash line, 72 RBI and 18 home runs.