"A day after seeing improvement in the field during batting practice, Chipper Jones felt good enough to start targeting Friday in New York for his return to the Braves starting lineup.

With another day of rest Wednesday and an off day Thursday, Jones was hopeful his sore quadriceps would improve to the point where he'd be comfortable playing defense.

"I felt like I could do a little more," Jones said Wednesday morning. "I was a little more active on defense. Running the bases still was a little iffy, but I figured give it today and tomorrow, then Friday would be that much better. Hopefully if it is, and I feel like I'm good enough to get out there and try it.""