Floyd, Minor remain on target for returns

PHILADELPHIA -- Even with the emergence of Monday night's starter Ervin Santana and Aaron Harang, the Braves are looking forward to the return of Gavin Floyd (Tommy John surgery) and Mike Minor to the rotation.

The two had quality outings on Sunday, with Floyd allowing two runs (one earned) in 3 2/3 innings of work for Triple-A Gwinnett and Minor (sore shoulder) throwing five scoreless innings for Class A Rome in which he allowed just one hit.

"The arm felt good," said Floyd, who is still two starts away and who will pitch for Double-A Mississippi on Friday, when he will hopefully go six innings and around 85 pitches. "I didn't feel the greatest mechanically, but I was able to make an adjustment. I've been throwing a lot of bullpens, but getting in the game is different. It took me a couple of innings to feel everything out, and it came relatively quick.

"I've felt that my arm has responded very well. I know the protocol here and this organization has a plan and we'll stick with that. I want longevity here both in the future and the season."

Minor will start on Friday for Gwinnett, and if all goes well, he could return right around his target date of April 23.