Report: Braves' Jason Heyward takes live BP, could return next week

Braves outfielder Jason Heyward has missed about four weeks of action with a broken jaw. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Atlanta Braves right fielder Jason Heyward took live batting practice Wednesday afternoon in his attempt to work his way back into the lineup after suffering a broken jaw last month, MLB.com reports.

The reports says that Heyward consistently make solid contact during the session at Nationals Park in Washington.

Heyward has been out since Aug. 21 after being hit with a 90-mph fastball from New York Mets left-handed pitcher Jon Niese, which broke his jaw in two places.

"It went well, and that is not an easy thing to do," Braves hitting coach Greg Walker said. "Now it is all about him getting his timing."

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Heyward was hitting .254 with 13 home runs and 37 RBI for Atlanta at the time he was injured. There is speculation that Heyward could be back with the team by Monday when they start their final homestand of the season.

"I'll play it by ear," Heyward said. "I'm just taking it day by day now. We'll see what happens this weekend and how I'm feeling when I get back home."