Chipper Jones Thinks He Can Return By Braves' Home Opener

Braves third baseman Chipper Jones is optimistic that he will be able to return to the team by Atlanta’s home opener April 13, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

“Aiming for (April 13), but optimistic that it might be a little sooner than that,” Jones said. “We’ll just have to see how the next week goes.”

Jones, 39, underwent arthroscopic knee surgery just eight days ago. He has already returned to the batting cage.

“I was afraid that the swing might have gone somewhere over the last eight days but if it did slip away it hasn’t slipped too far,” Jones said. “I was very pleased with the way the ball was coming off the bat. I was staying inside the ball, hitting the ball to all fields. And I had no pain, so that’s the most important thing.”