The Braves made a one-year, $13.3 million qualifying offer to impending free agent Michael Bourn. Not unexpected, as Bourn is reportedly seeking a contract in the range of $80-100 million on the open market. The speedy center fielder is expected to decline, which will set the Braves up for a compensatory draft pick if he signs elsewhere. Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reported Friday that the Nationals are viewed as the early favorites to land him.

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports that the Nationals are viewed as the favorites to sign impending free agent Michael Bourn. Heyman says the Nats have "long had an interest" in the speedy outfielder, and it doesn't hurt that his agent, Scott Boras, has a good working relationship with Washington. They would prefer to move Bryce Harper to a corner outfield spot, which would push Michael Morse to first base if they're unable to re-sign Adam LaRoche. Bourn is reportedly seeking a contract in the $80-100 million range.

CSN Philly's Jim Salisbury has heard that Michael Bourn is seeking a contract worth close to $100 million. It doesn't hurt to ask. Bourn, who hired super agent Scott Boras last winter, posted a .274/.348/.391 batting line with 42 steals and a career-high nine homers in 155 games this season for Atlanta. He is one of the top free agents on the market this winter, though it's hard to see any team making him an offer near $100 million.

Michael Bourn (thumb) went 2-for-3 with a stolen base in his return to action on Sunday. Bourn had been sidelined since September 22 because of a mildly sprained ligament in his left thumb. The fleet-footed center fielder showed no rust on Sunday afternoon.

Michael Bourn returned to action on Sunday September 30.

Michael Bourn (thumb) returned to the Braves' lineup Sunday. Bourn wasn't in the original release of the lineup, but apparently was cleared after taking some swings in the indoor cages. He'll resume to his customary role in center field and batting leadoff.

Braves skipper Fredi Gonzalez said Saturday that Michael Bourn could return to the starting lineup on Sunday. Gonzalez explained to reporters that the Braves were being cautious with the speedster's return, as they didn't want him to suffer a setback so close to a potential Wild Card game. Bourn hasn't played since jamming his left thumb last Saturday on a head-first slide.

Michael Bourn (thumb) is out of the Braves' starting lineup again Friday. Bourn hasn't played since jamming his left thumb last Saturday on a head-first slide. An MRI on Thursday showed a slight sprain and no ligament tear, so he remains day-to-day. Look for him to return later this weekend. Reed Johnson is starting in center field Friday against left-hander Jon Niese.

Michael Bourn is day-to-day after an MRI showed a slight sprain of his left thumb. The MRI was considered precautionary, but a ligament tear can now be ruled out. Bourn is hopeful to return as soon as Friday, but the Braves could keep him out until later this weekend.

Michael Bourn underwent an MRI on his left thumb Thursday. A previous report indicated that he already underwent an MRI, but that's not the case. Either way, the MRI is precautionary and the Braves are confident it won't show any structural damage. The speedy center fielder remains day-to-day.