Injury Update: Evan Gattis

June 10, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Atlanta Braves catcher

(24) hits a three-run home run during the ninth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. The Padres won 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Braves catcher, outfielder, first baseman, pinch hitter, 1st half star, Evan Gattis will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Gwinnett on Friday.

Gattis has been sidelined since June 17 with a strained oblique, but he began taking batting practice early this week and is now ready to test himself in game action.

David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution said on Twitter that Gattis was “crushing baseballs” and “showing no sign of injury or rust.”

If all goes well in his rehab, he should rejoin the Braves right after the All-Star break.

Gattis will be used in the DH slot Friday in Gwinnett but should play catcher and/or the outfield over the weekend before being activated for the start of the second half.

Gattis took batting practice before Thursday night’s game and said afterwards “I feel strong, I feel good but maybe had a little light rust today and working out some kinks….just getting back to normal swings.”