Jordan Walden struck out two in a perfect inning of work against the Reds on Sunday. After a sore hamstring plagued him this spring, Walden has charged out of the gate to start the year. With his two strikeout effort, the right-hander has a 17/5 K/BB ratio and 1.74 ERA over 10 1/3 innings.

Jordan Walden, out for a week due to a sore hamstring, remains sidelined. The 26-year-old ran on Saturday and intends to throw a side session on Sunday. Assuming that goes off without a hitch, Walden should be in Atlanta's Opening Day bullpen. He posted a 3.45 ERA and 54/14 K/BB ratio over 47 innings in 2013, his first year with the Braves.

The Braves and Jordan Walden avoided arbitration with a one-year, $1.49 million contract. Walden, 26, posted a 3.45 ERA and 54/14 K/BB ratio over 47 innings in his first year with the Braves. The right-hander missed the playoffs with groin and shoulder soreness but should be ready for spring training.

Jordan Walden (groin, shoulder) threw one inning in an instructional league game Tuesday and felt fine. Walden was limited to just four appearances in September due to groin and shoulder soreness, so the Braves left him off the roster for the NLDS. However, he could be an option for the bullpen if the club advances in the playoffs.

Jordan Walden (groin, shoulder) will throw an inning either in the instructional league or in a simulated game on Tuesday. Walden returned from groin and shoulder soreness to throw an inning in Saturday's loss to the Phillies, but the Braves want to see him throw once more before deciding whether to put him on the NLDS roster. The reliever allowed two runs -- one earned -- over two-thirds of an inning Saturday, but he did strike out the last two batters he faced. "Yeah, the last two strikeouts I kind of felt comfortable again," Walden said. "I was trying to get my delivery, my arm slot back, trying to get everything back in rhythm.. The last two batters gave me some confidence. Just got to build off those last two batters."

Jordan Walden (groin) is scheduled to throw an inning during Sunday's game against the Phillies. The action will be Walden's first since September 17. The right-hander is then scheduled to throw an inning on Tuesday, likely in the Florida instructional league or in a simulated game in Atlanta. It will be decided then whether Walden will appear on the Braves' roster for the first round of the postseason.

Jordan Walden (groin) might not be on the Braves' postseason roster. Walden hasn't pitched in a game since September 17, as he's struggling to overcome a nagging groin ailment. There were some issues there, and now we're trying to get him back healthy," manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "He's got to prove to us that he's healthy." Walden played catch Wednesday and was planning to throw a bullpen session Thursday. He could pitch an inning or two in the instructional league before the Braves decide whether or not to put him on the NLDS roster.

Jordan Walden (groin) threw a scoreless inning of relief in his return to action on Thursday. It was his first appearance since August 21. Walden has a 2.42 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 44 2/3 innings this season. He'll be an important part of the Braves' playoff run.

Jordan Walden (groin) could be available Thursday. Walden threw a bullpen session on Tuesday afternoon and reported no discomfort in his groin. The right-hander hasn't made a relief appearance since August 21.

Jordan Walden (groin) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Tuesday. Walden is steadily improving, but will need to string together at least a few successful 'pen sessions before Atlanta trainers give him the green light to return to game action. Walden hasn't pitched since August 21 due to lingering groin tightness.