"Chipper Jones isn't going back to Class-A ball as soon as planned.

The Braves' All-Star third baseman was tentatively scheduled to begin a minor-league rehab assignment Friday at Class-A Rome, but needs more time to recover from July 9 arthroscopic knee surgery.

Jones, 38, took ground balls and batting practice the past few days with the Triple-A Gwinnett team and was set to serve as designated hitter for Rome on Friday and Saturday.

That was reassessed after he reported soreness from his workouts. It now seems less likely Jones would be ready to rejoin the Braves on Monday in their series opener against Pittsburgh at Turner Field.

That had been the plan, according to Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez. But that was based on Jones getting two or three games in with Rome, including some time at third base.

It's unclear if Jones will still play at Rome this weekend.

On Thursday, general manager Frank Wren did not give a timetable for Jones' return or rehab-game schedule. "It is day to day based on each skill being tested and cleared by trainers," Wren said in a text message.

Jones is eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list Sunday."