Braves' Mallex Smith: Expects to avoid surgery

Smith (thumb) is healing well and expects to avoid surgery, David O'Brien of AJC.com reports.

Analysis:

Smith fractured his left thumb after being hit by a pitch several weeks ago but following evaluation, the Braves are saying that they think he'll avoid surgery. It's not set in stone, however, but if he indeed does not go under the knife, he'll miss less time than with the surgery route. The 23-year-old will likely resume baseball activities sometime in July and if rehab goes well, could return to the big leagues in August.