The Braves could play it safe with Jair Jurrjens (side) and place him on the disabled list.

It wouldn't be that big of a deal, as the move would be retroactive, making his season debut on April 9 instead of April 6. "We're shooting for that (April 6), but the window is getting smaller and smaller," manager Fredi Gonzalez said. Jurrjens "felt good" during a 30-pitch bullpen session Thursday and said he'd "play it day-by-day and see what kind of decision they make." If they push Jurrjens back, Mike Minor would likely be called up to make a spot start.

Jair Jurrjens (side) felt good after throwing a bullpen session Thursday.

Jurrjens is now scheduled to throw a bullpen session with more intensity on Sunday. If that goes well, he should be cleared to make his April 6 regular season debut against the Brewers. Jurrjens fanned 86 batters in 116 1/3 inning last season and should be a decent fantasy option throughout the 2011 campaign.

Jair Jurrjens (side) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Thursday.

Jurrjens tweaked his left side during a start last Thursday, but was able to do some long-tossing Tuesday. The planned bullpen session will give the Braves a better indication of whether he'll be able to make his first start of the season as scheduled next Wednesday against the Brewers.

Jair Jurrjens (side) threw some long toss in the outfield during batting practice Tuesday.

Jurrjens also threw from a distance of approximately 60 feet on flat ground. "He's progressing well," said Braves general manager Frank Wren. "We're just not quite there yet. And we're intentionally not pushing it because we don't want to set him back, but he's progressing." The Braves aren't in a rush to determine whether he'll be able to make his first start of the season, but they are expected to make a final decision when he throws a bullpen session in the next couple of days.

Jair Jurrjens (side) played catch in the outfield Sunday.

David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution said the right-hander didn't appear to be having any problems. Jurrjens tweaked his right side during his start Thursday, but it appears to be mild and not something that will keep him from making his first start of the season. He'll have a bullpen session Monday.

Jair Jurrjens didn't need an MRI on his sore right side after all.

Evidently the earlier report was just a miscommunication. Braves GM Fran Wren said Jurrjens is sore, but he's not too worried about the injury. It seems like he might be able to start the season on time, but check back for updates.

Jair Jurrjens was removed from Wednesday's game due to discomfort in his right side.

Jair Jurrjens left Thursday's game against the Blue Jays after one inning with an apparent injury.

It sounds like it could be a hamstring issue, though it's not known if it's the same hamstring that caused him to miss time last season. Depending on the severity of the injury, it's possible that Mike Minor could end up staying with the big club. Stay tuned.

Jair Jurrjens tossed five scoreless innings and struck out four as the Braves beat an Astros split-squad 7-1 on Sunday.

Jurrjens allowed just two hits and walked one in lowering his spring ERA to 3.86. Expectations are down for Jurrjens after he finished 7-6 with a 4.64 ERA during an injury-stricken 2010 season. We don't expect him to rebound to 2009 form, but he shouldn't be written off as a mixed-league starter.

Jair Jurrjens (knee) lost 15 pounds during the offseason.

"Just taking care of the body better than last year, for sure," said Jurrjens. "Being smart about some stuff, especially not joking when I'm working out anymore. I'm more mature than I used to be." Jurrjens made just 20 starts last season due to injury and required surgery to repair a meniscus tear in his right knee in October. The 25-year-old right-hander is unlikely to equal his success from 2009, but he could be undervalued in drafts this spring.

Jair Jurrjens told Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com that his rehab is going well after right knee surgery.

Jurrjens underwent surgery last month to repair a meniscus tear in his right knee. He was told that he would need around 4-6 weeks to recover, so he should be on track to be ready for spring training. Jurrjens, who turns 25 in January, posted a 4.64 ERA and 86/42 K/BB ratio over 20 starts this past season.

Jair Jurrjens underwent his surgery Wednesday to repair a meniscus tear in his right knee.

Jurrjens will probably need 4-6 weeks to recover. The first-time arbitration-eligible right-hander will likely open next year as the Braves' fourth starter.

Jair Jurrjens is scheduled to undergo arthroscopic surgery next week to repair the meniscus tear in his right knee.

Now that the Braves have been eliminated from the playoffs, Jurrjens can begin his recovery from a rather serious knee injury. He had been keeping in shape in case needed in the NLCS, and now he'll look toward a winter full of rehab. The righty should be fine by spring training.

Jair Jurrjens (knee) reported feeling healthy after a six-inning instructional league appearance Monday in Florida.

Jurrjens was hoping to contribute in the second round of the postseason, but the Braves were eliminated on Monday by the Giants. Still, it's good that the right-hander will enter the offseason at full health. "Everything went well," Braves general manager Frank Wren said. "He threw well, fielded his position and covered first base. He didn't have any problems."

Jair Jurrjens (knee) will throw 75 pitches Monday in an instructional league game.

Jurrjens still hopes to rejoin Atlanta's rotation should the team advance into the NLCS. He last pitched for the Braves on Sept. 14.

Jair Jurrjens (knee) felt "very good" after his instructional league appearance Tuesday evening in Florida.

Jurrjens flew out to San Francisco on Wednesday to be with his teammates for the start of their NLDS matchup against the Braves. He will not pitch in the series but could be ready if Atlanta advances to the NLCS. Jurrjens, 24, had a 4.64 ERA and 1.39 WHIP over 116-plus innings this season.

Jair Jurrjens (knee) is scheduled to pitch in an Instructional League game Tuesday night.

"It helps us in the decision-making process, knowing exactly where he is, whether it's for this round or the next round if we get there," said Braves general manager Frank Wren. "This is just making sure that he can handle three or four innings of regular pitching, rather than doing a 20-minute bullpen. It gives us more indication of what his real health is." There's still a chance he could be added to the NLDS roster as a reliever, but the Braves are probably shooting for him to be available during the NLCS.

Jair Jurrjens (knee) will not pitch against the Reds in the NLDS.

Jurrjens is rehabbing his injured right knee at the Braves' spring training complex in Florida. There's a chance he'll be available by the NLCS.

Braves manager Bobby Cox said that Jair Jurrjens (knee) may pitch in relief this weekend against the Phillies.

Cox stopped short of a guarantee, but Jurrjens said he felt good enough to pitch in a live game after throwing his second full bullpen of 45-50 pitches in the past three days Friday. The ideal scenario would be to test him if or when the Braves can wrap up the Wild Card.

Braves manager Bobby Cox said that Jair Jurrjens (knee) won't start this weekend against the Phillies.

Jurrjens reported some progress during a bullpen session Wednesday, but the Braves have already ruled him out as a possibility. If his knee continues to improve, he could pitch in relief.