Jordan Walden (shoulder) will not be ready to be activated from the disabled list next Monday. That's the first day he's eligible to return, but the right-hander is not quite far along enough. Walden will throw a bullpen session later this week and then head out on a short minor league rehab assignment. He should be ready for activation just before the end of May.

Jordan Walden said his right shoulder felt "pretty good" after he played catch on Monday. It's the first time he's played catch since landing on the disabled list. Walden is shooting to return next Monday when first eligible, but we won't know if that's a realistic goal until he throws from a mound. "That's what we're shooting for, but it's got to be feeling good," Walden said. ".I just need to make sure I'm fully healthy when I come back because we already have great guys down there still. I just want to be part of it down there. I want to be able to help out Craig (Kimbrel) a little bit."

Braves placed RHP Jordan Walden on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to May 12, with right shoulder inflammation. It's an injury that we hadn't heard about until now, but perhaps we should have known something was up with Walden allowing five runs over his last three appearances (1 1/3 innings). It's not clear at this point how long he'll be sidelined.

Jordan Walden retired all five Nationals he faced, striking out three of them, for the victory in relief as the Braves won 3-2 tonight. Walden, acquired from the Angels for Tommy Hanson over the winter, has a 1.69 ERA in 10 2/3 innings to date. Incredibly, he's yet to walk a batter. The Angels soured on him during a 2012 season in which he walked 18 (and struck out 48) in 39 innings.

Jordan Walden made his spring debut Wednesday, giving up a run in an inning against the Pirates. Walden walked two and allowed a hit as he attempts to shake some rust. He had been sidelined since the beginning of the spring with a bulging disc in his back.

Jordan Walden (back) will return to Grapefruit League action on Wednesday. Walden was cleared after another pain-free live batting practice session on Monday. He's been limited to one spring appearance due to a bulging disc in his back, but he should be OK for Opening Day as long as he can avoid a setback. If Walden isn't ready for the opener, Anthony Varvaro is expected to take his spot in the bullpen.

Jordan Walden (back) threw live batting practice Saturday without any issues. Walden has dealt with a bulging disc in his back for nearly all of camp, but still has a chance to be ready for Opening Day. He threw 35 pitches Saturday and should be cleared to return to Grapefruit League games by early next week.

Jordan Walden (back) will throw live batting practice Saturday. He should return to Grapefruit League action after that. Walden has dealt with a bulging disc in his back nearly all of camp, but he's felt a ton better since receiving a pain-killing injection.

Jordan Walden (back) threw a 30-pitch bullpen session on Wednesday without any complications. It was his second mound workout since he got a pain-killing injection in his ailing back. Walden is hoping to return to Grapefruit League action in a couple days.

Jordan Walden (back) is nearing a return to Grapefruit League action. Walden threw a bullpen session Tuesday and will likely throw another one Thursday or Friday. After that, he should be game-ready. The hard-throwing reliever has made just one appearance this spring due to a bulging disc in his back, but he has time to prep for Opening Day.