Suarez set for rehab outing, could return for Braves in regular season

HOUSTON -- Robert Suarez is expected to make a Minor League rehab appearance for Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday, but the Braves haven’t revealed what else the elite setup man might do next week to shake off three months of rust and be ready for the start of the postseason.

If Suarez does indeed pitch in Gwinnett’s season finale on Sunday, it will mark the first time he has pitched in a game since June 19. The two-time All-Star has spent the past three months on the injured list with right elbow inflammation.

Braves manager Walt Weiss wasn’t willing to commit when asked if Suarez will make a couple appearances out of Atlanta’s bullpen next week, which would be the final opportunity for Suarez to pitch in the regular season.

“We’re just reevaluating him every day, but things have gone well,” Weiss said. “He’s progressed well throughout this rehab. So, I don’t anticipate anything. We just never know. It would be nice to see him in a big league game, but I’m not sure. I’m not sure if that’s going to happen.”

Given the fact that the Braves haven’t yet clinched the National League East entering Friday’s series opener in Houston, they may not want to commit to Suarez pitching in meaningful games during the season’s final week. The other option would be to have the right-hander throw to live hitters at the team’s Spring Training complex next week.

The latter option doesn’t seem optimal. But because Weiss wasn’t willing to commit to Suarez making appearances for Atlanta next week, Weiss was asked if the reliever’s first time facing big league hitters in three months could come during the postseason.

“There's a chance,” Weiss said. “I don't know. As we sit here today, I don't know exactly how that's going to unfold. I think all the options are possible.”

If healthy, Suarez has the potential to be a key contributor during the postseason. He had a 0.56 ERA in the 31 appearances he made before being placed on the injured list.