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.