Walden to throw bullpen session Tuesday

MIAMI -- After spending the past few weeks sidelined with a sore groin, Jordan Walden has finally gained the confidence that he can complete his violent delivery without aggravating the injury.

Walden will gain a better understanding about where he stands when he completes a bullpen session at Marlins Park on Tuesday. This will mark the first time he has thrown off a mound since discomfort limited him to five pitches during a bullpen session he attempted to complete last week.

"I was trying to rush back to the mound, and it kind of set me back a couple times," Walden said. "I'm trying to stay away from any more setbacks. But right now, I feel confident enough."

If Walden gets through Tuesday's session without feeling any discomfort, he will likely throw at least one more bullpen session before resuming his role as Atlanta's right-handed setup man. He has been sidelined since straining his groin while running before a game in St. Louis a little more than two weeks ago.

Initially, the Braves were hoping Walden would need just a few days of rest to recover. The need for more time could have been a product of the fact that Walden aggressively hops off the rubber and places more tension on his lead leg than most pitchers during his delivery.

"I've never pitched like a normal guy," Walden said. "It was affecting me. I use my legs a lot. I jump and whatever. But I should be good."

Walden has compiled a 2.47 ERA and limited opponents to a .195 batting average in 46 appearances. His recent absence has added to the workload of left-handed setup man Luis Avilan, who has allowed a run in four of the 11 appearances he has made since not allowing an earned run in the 35 appearances he made from May 24-Aug. 14.