Chipper Jones Could Be Returning to Atlanta Braves Lineup Soon

The face of the Braves for the last 19 years is set to return to the lineup soon.  Chipper Jones had surgery on May 26th to drain fluid from a hematoma in his left leg.  He took batting practice yesterday and hopes to return to the lineup by this weekend.

Jones, who may very well be in his final year of his career, was hitting .307/.377/.485 at the time of the injury.  Jone was hurt on May 18th when he was hit by a ground ball at Tropicana Field in Tampa Bay.  He was placed on the disabled list May 26th.

Last season, Jones suffered a season-ending knee injury from which many thought he would not return.  However, his return this season has been better than expected.  With the Braves battling for first place in the National League East, Jones has helped the team with his eight extra-base hits and his highest OPS+ since 2008.

Jones is eligible to come off the disabled list this Friday.  The only question is whether the team sends him on a rehab assignment first.  His progress throughout this week will determine whether that happens.  Jones wants to avoid any rehab assignments, and frankly, the Braves should too.  Jones offers a veteran presence that they can’t get elsewhere and should help this team continue to fight for first place.

Chipper Jones is a nine-time All-Star and has a career line of .304/.402/.532.  He has 459 home runs in his career, and should he play beyond 2012, it’s not out of the question that he could reach 500.  First he will need to return from this DL stint and prove he can keep up the pace with which he started the season.

The Braves are 19-5 with Jones in the lineup this year.  They are 10-20 with him out of the lineup.  His return is vital as the Nationals just reclaimed sole possession of first place last night with Bryce Harper‘s walk-off single.  The Mets and the Marlins are also in the mix.