CHICAGO -- The Braves received another encouraging update regarding Drake Baldwin's recovery on Tuesday, as the rookie catcher continues progressing toward a return from the injured list.
Before Atlanta's series opener against the White Sox at Rate Field, manager Walt Weiss said Baldwin is currently at the club's Spring Training complex in Florida and is scheduled to face live pitching later this week.
"Drake's doing well," Weiss said. "He's going to take some live swings off a live arm on Thursday and Friday down at the complex, and then Saturday and Sunday, he's going to play in games at [Triple-A] Gwinnett, so he's getting closer."
According to Weiss, Baldwin has already resumed most baseball activities, including batting practice and catching bullpens. The next step will be testing his strained right oblique against live pitching before beginning what is expected to be a rehab assignment with Gwinnett this weekend.
"Thursday and Friday would be big days for [Baldwin], because he's going to hit off a live arm," Weiss said. "I think AJ Smith-Shawver is one of the arms he's going to face, so it'll be a good test for him."
Baldwin was placed on the injured list on May 19, interrupting what had been one of the most impressive campaigns in the Majors. Prior to the injury, the 25-year-old had established himself as one of Atlanta's most productive hitters, posting a .932 OPS across 48 games, while splitting catching duties.
Baldwin’s absence has coincided with a difficult stretch offensively from the Braves' catching position. Atlanta has relied primarily on veteran Sandy León behind the plate in recent weeks, while also adding Austin Wynns for additional depth.
Still, the Braves have continued to play well despite Baldwin's absence, entering Tuesday having won eight of their past 10 games. That recent success has allowed the club to be patient with one of its most important young players.
The latest update appears to put Baldwin on track for a return sometime during Atlanta's upcoming homestand, assuming he clears the remaining checkpoints without any setbacks. The live batting sessions later this week will provide the clearest indication yet of how close he is to rejoining the Major League roster.
For now, Baldwin's focus remains on completing the next phase of his recovery. But if all goes according to plan, his return to Atlanta may not be far away.