Chipper Jones underwent successful arthroscopic surgery Monday to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. The surgery was performed by Dr. Marvin Royster. The hope is that Jones could return as soon as the Braves' home opener on April 13. Martin Prado is likely to fill in at third base for now while Eric Hinske and Matt Diaz figure to split at-bats in left field.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports Chipper Jones tore meniscus in his left knee Thursday and will undergo arthroscopic surgery.

Chipper Jones announced Thursday that he will retire following the 2012 season.

Chipper Jones, who entered the day 2-for-17 this spring, went 2-for-3 against the Blue Jays. It looks like Jones will hit fifth, rather than his usual third, further diminishing his fantasy value this season. He could always be counted on to be an asset in mixed leagues when healthy, but one wonders if that will still be the case.

Chipper Jones has clarified that the comments he made Monday about an early retirement were in jest. "I don't know if I can make it through this year," Chipper joked with a couple of reporters on Monday. Those comments were taken out of context, unfortunately. "It was tongue and cheek," Jones insisted on Tuesday. "I was kidding. I just got done playing eight innings with three at-bats. I was a little tired. I wasn't by any means suggesting I couldn't make it through the season. If I didn't think that I could, I wouldn't be out there."

Chipper Jones (thigh) returned to the lineup Friday. Chipper sat out a few days with some minor soreness in his legs, but it's not a big deal. He even talked his way into starting the game at third base after initially being inserted into the DH slot. But, while this ailment is of no concern, we're expecting the veteran infielder to once again to have plenty more bumps and bruises this season.

Chipper Jones is sitting out Tuesday's Grapefruit League game due to minor thigh soreness. It's the third straight game Chipper has missed because of the leg discomfort, and he's not expected to join the Braves on their trip to the Tigers' spring training complex on Wednesday. The veteran third baseman is merely taking it easy here in early March and should have no problems getting his work in before Opening Day.

Chipper Jones is out of the Braves' Grapefruit League lineup Monday for a second straight day. Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez told reporters that Jones is dealing with mild leg soreness. It's not a major issue, and the veteran third baseman should have little trouble playing catch-up with the rest of the infielders in camp.

Chipper Jones told David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Tuesday that the 2012 season might not be his last. The veteran third baseman dealt with some discomfort in his surgically-repaired right knee during the offseason, but hasn't had any issues since he started hitting again this month. "As long as I stay healthy and I'm having fun, I'm going to keep going," said Jones. "I sit here with three weeks to go before spring training and I'm not ready to say this is it." Jones, who turns 40 in April, is owed $13 million this season while his contract includes a $7 million club option for 2013 which vests automatically at $9 million if he plays at least 123 games in 2012.

Major League Baseball's players and owners announced a new labor agreement at a press conference Tuesday. Some of the changes are rather drastic. For instance, teams that spend over slot on the MLB Amateur Draft by more than five percent will be hit with a 75 percent tax. Teams that go over slot by 5-10 percent will face a 75 percent tax and the loss of a first-round pick. Teams that go over slot by 10-15 percent face a 100 percent and the loss of a first- and second-round pick. And teams that spend over slot by 15 percent or more will face a 100 percent tax and the loss of two first rounders. Also, drafted players can no longer sign major league contracts and there will be cap on the amount that can be spent on the international market. HGH testing will go through a trial phase this spring and the Elias rankings system for free agents has been eliminated. The Astros will move to the AL West in 2013 and a new playoff structure that will include two additional Wild Card teams will be implemented in 2012.