Jason Heyward hasn't played in nearly three weeks, but he'll be making a big step towards return to Atlanta by making his first Minor League rehab start. Heyward has been reportedly taking swings and hitting balls off a tee for a few days now without any discomfort. The outfielder has already stated he won't return until his shoulder is completely healed.
According to this tweet from just moments ago from @GwinnettBraves1
BREAKING NEWS: Atlanta OF Jason Heyward on rehab...starting, playing RF and hitting 3rd in GBraves lineup for tonight's 7:05pm game @ Indy
Big news for the Atlanta Braves and their star outfielder. Despite the club hitting well in Houston, this is still an offensively challenged club and it was just a few days ago when the Braves were struggling to score more than a run or two on a nightly basis. Jason Heyward's return would be huge and he would pick up some of the slack with Martin Prado on the disabled list.
J-Hey needs to remember to stay within himself tonight and in any other rehab games he partakes in. He hasn't played in a quite a while and will need to work out the kinks and timing issues in his swing. Don't be alarmed if he struggles in his first few games; it's all about getting comfortable and adjusted to playing baseball once again.