Brian McCann will not be cleared to begin his Minor League rehab assignment before April 16, according to the Braves.

Six months ago, McCann had surgery on his right shoulder.

While this timetable creates reason to believe McCann could remain out of Atlanta's lineup until at least the final days of April, Frank Wren said it is too early to set a definitive timetable for a return.

"He's progressing fine," Wren said. "I don't think he's behind or ahead [of schedule]. I just think it is progressing as you would expect. As you get closer and get the shoulder strengthened, the improvement can happen very quickly."