Braves expect Pierce Johnson to be activated Friday

The Atlanta Braves appear to be close to getting back a key piece of their bullpen. Brian Snitker told MLB.com’s Mark Bowman on Sunday that he expects reliever Pierce Johnson to be activated from the 15-day injured list on Friday. Johnson was placed on the injured list retroactive to May 1 due to elbow inflammation.

The Braves return home on Monday to face the Chicago Cubs in a three-game series. They have another day off Thursday before continuing their homestand with a four-game set against the San Diego Padres.

Getting Johnson back would be a huge boost to their bullpen. Johnson has played a key role since being traded to the Colorado Rockies last season. He re-signed to a two-year contract during the offseason. So far this season, he has appeared in 13 games and has a 3.00 ERA and 2.83 FIP along with a 32% strikeout rate in 12 innings.