Gerald Laird (oblique) expects to return to the lineup Friday. Christian Bethancourt has caught three straight games while Laird nurses a right oblique strain that he originally suffered a couple weeks ago. However, Laird thinks he'll be ready to roll Friday. "If (Bethancourt) wasn't here I could play, (Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez) knows that," said Laird. "(Gonzalez) just said, let's nip it in the bud and then Friday will probably be my day to play."

Gerald Laird returned to action on Saturday June 14.

Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said Thursday that it appears Gerald Laird did not suffer a concussion. Laird left Thursday's game against the Rockies after he was hit in the mask by Corey Dickerson's backswing, but it appears he's avoided a serious issue. Consider the catcher day-to-day.

Gerald Laird left Thursday's game against the Rockies in the eighth inning after he was hit in the mask by Corey Dickerson's backswing. Laird was on the ground for a moment before being helped off the field. He was replaced in the game by Evan Gattis. The Braves should pass along on update on Laird's status soon, but he'll undoubtedly be tested for a possible concussion.

Gerald Laird went 2-for-4 with two RBI in Friday's 3-2 victory over the Rockies. Laird did most of the heavy lifting for the Braves' offense on Friday, as he delivered an RBI double in the bottom of the second inning and later hit a go-ahead RBI single in the eighth. The veteran backstop is batting .208/.288/.264 through 18 games this season. He's a perfectly useful backup catcher, but nights like this one figure to be few and far between.

Gerald Laird went 2-for-4 with a run scored against the Brewers on Tuesday. Laird has appeared in 15 games this year, but Tuesday was his first multi-hit game. The catcher also scored in the Braves' three-run third inning. Laird is primarily a backup to Evan Gattis, who missed Tuesday's game due to viral symptoms.

Gerald Laird (back) is nearly ready to return to Grapefruit League games. Laird has been out for a week with a lower back strain, but he caught a few side sessions on Wednesday and woke up Thursday without any major discomfort. He should be 100 percent by the start of the regular season.

Gerald Laird (back) will be sidelined at least a few more days. Laird left Thursday's game with a lower back strain and his back remains an issue. There's no reason for the Braves to push him at this point, as he has plenty of time to get ready for Opening Day.

Gerald Laird left Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Tigers with a lower back strain. The Braves are calling him "day-to-day." Laird could need a week or so of rest, but he should have no problem catching up before the start of the 2014 regular season.

Braves activated C Gerald Laird from the 15-day disabled list. Laird missed the last couple weeks while recovering from a procedure to remove a kidney stone. He'll return to being Brian McCann's backup.