Braves third baseman Chipper Jones hopes to return to the lineup July 18 when the Braves begin a three-game series in San Francisco.
On Friday, Jones took live batting practice for the first time since June 6 when he went on the 15-day disabled list with an injured left foot.
"My mobility's not where I want it to be," Jones said. "I've still got a little discomfort on the bottom of my foot preventing me from moving side to side the way I want to, but I can't expect it to be perfect the first day out."
To provide more infield depth at the time, the Braves recalled third baseman Andy Marte from Triple-A Richmond.
Jones, the only switch hitter in baseball history with a career .300 average and 300 homers, believes he can play a few rehab games in the minors, beginning Wednesday, before officially rejoining the club.
Through April 23, a span of 18 games, Jones was batting .381 with four homers and 13 RBI. Initial X-rays were negative when he left a game the next night against Philadelphia, Jones wasn't properly diagnosed until June 9, when he visited foot and ankle specialist Dr. Robert Anderson in Charlotte, N.C.
Chipper Hopes To Return On July 18th In San Francisco