Chipper Jones is all set to return on Tuesday for Atlanta Braves at third base - MLB Update
As Chipper Jones takes batting practice on Monday and works out skills at third base, he is excited for his comeback on Tuesday.
Sure to be as good as he is, he denied going down to Minor League to play few rehab games and experience at-bats and instead believed that it will not make any difference.
His left knee injury troubled him last season as well and just before the start of 2012 regular season, he had to go through arthroscopic surgery to be able to get ready in time.
In light of the fact that the Atlanta Braves have been extremely disappointing in their last few games, his entry will boost up their offence immensely.
A contender for all-time best third basemen, Jones has declared retirement after this season. To make his last year something to remember, he will look to leave another glimpse of his talent in the season.
Although manager Fredi Gonzalez wanted to send him to Minor League, on the insistence of Jones, he had to place faith in his words.
"I would have gone down for a couple at-bats," Jones said. "I just thought it was a waste of time because six at-bats in the Minors isn't going to help me be on 95 [mph pitches] when I get back up here. So might as well throw me back in the fire."
The fact Jones has not had much at-bats concerns management.
Only quality pitcher he has faced since his injury is Randall Delgado in a short practice session.
With such minimal preparations and all of a sudden being lifted to Major League’s competitive arena pose a question at him that whether he will be able to make immediate adjustments that he will be needing there.
"He feels like he doesn't need to go out and have a rehab assignment," manager Gonzalez said. "He feels like he's fine. He's a guy with [10,166] plate appearances, you've got to take his word for it."
Anything strengthening Mets’ offence will be welcome graciously by them. With three defeats against New York Mets at the start, they desperately need few victories to move up the table. They will look forward to Jones proving a decisive factor in their quest.
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