Atlanta Braves Injury Update: Paul Maholm **UPDATE**

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Paul Maholm, who is on the disabled list with a left wrist contusion, threw an extended bullpen session prior to Friday’s game against the Marlins, according to MLB.com.  Maholm has been out since July 20 with a left wrist bruise, is expected to need one more bullpen session and likely a simulated game Monday, before the team opts to send him out on a minor-league  rehab assignment shortly, barring any setbacks.

Jun 23, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher

pitches in the 1st inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

“We’ll see how he throws this weekend on the side and see what he needs after that,” Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said.  “My thinking is he may need (to throw) some BP or a sim(ulated) game, or maybe even a couple of innings in a rehab start before we run him back out there to face live major league hitters.”

The question marks look to be rising again about the Braves rotation now that Maholm is getting closer to being healthy.  Right now, I would say Mike Minor, Julio Teheran and Kris Medlen are set to stay in the rotation.  Leaving Brandon Beachy and Alex Wood the question marks.  With every start, Beachy has improved but it seems the same with Wood.  If I’m in the front office’s shoes, I’d leave the rotation the way it is even with a healthy Maholm.

Sounds like a Triple-A Gwinnett start will happen this week.  Gwinnett has home games Monday-Friday of this week, starting a series with the Durham Bulls on Tuesday.

“I’m not a very good DL patient so I’m going to push it,” Maholm said.  “But I also understand the team is playing well and I don’t want to go out there and not be 100 percent and have a setback.  So my goal is going to be to get that rotation spot the next time around, but we’ll just have to see how it goes.”

Threw a bullpen today and look forward to being part of the fun again.

Had a great bullpen today and it was awesome to see Huddy back in the clubhouse. Lets keep #streaking

….And Mike Minor having some fun with Paul…

@paul_maholm rehabbing

#Braves Maholm pitched 6 simulated innings.

#Braves Fredi G said hasn’t decided how to work Maholm back in, still about 9-10 days before he’d pitch in real game.

#Braves Fredi G said they could start Maholm and skip a starter for rest. Or possible 6-man rotation, though seems reluctant to do that

@Rohlcopy Maholm faced Janish and Terdoslavich in six simulated innings on the field.