Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said Johnson (hand) could return before Thursday, David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Thursday is the tentative target date for Johnson, who kicks off a rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday. However, Gonzalez left the door open for the third baseman to return a bit sooner than anticipated if he shows no ill effects from the injury. Look for Johnson to return to the primary role with Atlanta, though Alberto Callaspo will likely remain involved at the position.

Johnson (hand) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday. Johnson hasn't seen live game action since suffering a fractured left hand April 30, but is scheduled to play three rehab games before joining the Braves in San Francisco on Thursday. He took batting practice at Turner Field on Sunday after playing in extended spring games over the weekend, and doesn't appear to be experiencing any lingering effects. Upon his return, Johnson could cut into the playing time of Alberto Callaspo at third base.

Johnson (hand) will play in an extended spring training game Saturday, David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Assuming all goes well Saturday, Johnson will join the Braves in Atlanta on Sunday to take batting practice before heading out for a brief minor league rehab assignment. The club is targeting Thursday's series opener in Los Angeles for Johnson's major league return.

Johnson (hand) is on track to be activated in advance of next Thursday's game according to manager Fredi Gonzalez, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports. Johnson was initially expected to miss 3-to-6 weeks after suffering a left hand fracture in the end of April, so a May 28 return would put him in the earlier portion of that timetable. Alberto Callaspo has seen most of the work at third base in his absence, but Johnson figures to slot back into an everyday role once he's healthy.

Johnson (hand) has been cleared to begin more extensive activities, David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. It's not entirely clear what all Johnson has been cleared for, but it seems he may be nearly without restriction. The report notes that Johnson could be ready to return as soon as Monday against Los Angeles in the opener of a 10-game road trip for Atlanta. Alberto Callaspo and Pedro Ciriaco will see most of the work at third base until Johnson is ready to return.

Johnson (hand) is expected to miss 3-to-6 weeks, David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Evidently, the fracture that was discovered in Johnson's hand after Thursday's game was an old injury, and he merely suffered a bone bruise on his slide into second base. Johnson will be re-evaluated in two weeks, and it sounds like he could return before the end of May, but the Braves will be forced to lean on Alberto Callaspo and Kelly Johnson at third base in the meantime.

Johnson left Thursday's game early due to a left hand fracture and has been placed on the 15-day DL. Johnson's injury will likely keep him out for an extended period of time. His injury will likely lead to an everyday role for Alberto Callaspo. Mike Foltynewicz was scheduled to be recalled Friday anyway, so a spot on the 25-man roster is now open for him.

Johnson is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Nationals. Johnson will remain out of the lineup for the second straight game after he sat out Sunday in favor of Kelly Johnson. It's Alberto Callaspo who will start at third Monday, while Kelly Johnson shifts to left field. Chris Johnson has 11 hits in 35 at-bats, but his playing time has grown rather sporadic of late.

Johnson is out of the lineup Sunday against the Phillies, David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Despite upholding a .314 average for the season, Johnson's playing time has begun to grow increasingly irregular, as he'll sit out for a fourth time in five games Sunday. Kelly Johnson will cover third base in the series finale.

Johnson is out of the lineup Saturday. Johnson has been pretty productive so far this season, and given how weak the Braves' collection of third-base options are, it is a little puzzling that he will be sitting for the second time in three games. Kelly Johnson will get the start at third base Saturday.