NEW YORK -- After being restricted to bystander status over the past three months, Travis d'Arnaud is eagerly looking forward to the chance to help the Braves down the stretch.

“I’ve been on some crazy runs in August and September with the teams I’ve been on, and hopefully, I can experience another one this year,” d’Arnaud said.

d’Arnaud is expected to begin a Minor League rehab assignment before the end of this week. The veteran catcher has been sidelined since tearing ligaments in his left thumb on May 1. The 32-year-old catcher suffered the same exact injury while playing for Team USA in 2012.

“Based on my recovery, everything should be good,” d’Arnaud said.

With the injury being to his non-throwing hand, d’Arnaud was able to maintain arm strength and regularly take one-arm swings during the early portion of his recovery. He has been working out with the Braves during this road trip and will further condition his body once he begins playing Minor League games.

How long d’Arnaud’s rehab assignment will last hasn’t been determined. But there has long been expectation he could return to his role as Atlanta’s starting catcher during the first half of August.

Suspended game update
Last week’s suspended game against the Padres will resume before Atlanta and San Diego begin a three-game series at Petco Park on Sept. 24. The game will resume at 8:10 p.m. ET. The Braves and Padres will then play their regularly scheduled game at 10:10 p.m. ET.

The Braves were trailing, 5-4, and preparing to bat in the fifth inning when rain halted play at Truist Park last week. Atlanta will remain the home team during the completion of the suspended game.

Pederson scratched
Joc Pederson made a brief appearance in the Braves’ dugout before a stomach ailment led him to be scratched from Tuesday night’s lineup against the Mets. Ehire Adrianza replaced Pederson as Atlanta’s right fielder and leadoff hitter.