Jason Heyward (appendectomy) is scheduled to begin a minor league rehab assignment Thursday with Triple-A Gwinnett.

Heyward underwent an emergency appendectomy in late April, but he hasn't had any issues during batting practice this week. He's expected to remain with Gwinnett through the weekend before being re-evaluated, so a return next week is a possibility. Heyward originally indicated that he was hoping to make it back by the end of May, but he's well ahead of schedule at the moment.

Jason Heyward (appendectomy) is scheduled to take dry swings on Saturday.

It's two days earlier that when he originally planned to begin baseball activities. Heyward has been limited to walking on a treadmill and riding a stationary bike to this point. The outfielder indicated earlier this week that he's hoping to return in late May, but on Thursday he said he would be "disappointed if I had to be out that long." The Braves have been mum on a timetable for the outfielder.

Braves placed OF Jason Heyward on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 21, following an emergency appendectomy.

Heyward underwent successful appendectomy surgery on Monday in Denver, Colorado and is expected to miss the next few weeks. The 23-year-old is hitting just .121 (7-for-58) with two home runs through 17 games, so this could be the best chance fantasy owners will get to buy low. Reed Johnson and Jordan Schafer are expected to share playing time in right field during his absence.