The Atlanta Braves could see a key contributor return much sooner than thought.

The Atlanta Braves, like the majority of Major League Baseball, have been dealing with injuries this season.

Sean Murphy, Atlanta’s All-Star catcher, was injured in the season opener, straining his oblique, and has yet to return to action. Starting pitcher Spencer Strider will not be able to play this season due to surgery on his right elbow, which will keep him out until 2024.

But Atlanta may get some reinforcements soon, as second baseman Ozzie Albies, who has been out since last Tuesday with a broken toe, has been working out and might be activated as soon as he becomes eligible on Friday.

Albies was expected to miss three weeks to a month due to the injury, but manager Brian Snitker indicated to the media before Tuesday’s game against the Miami Marlins that he could return on Friday. Following an on-field session on Monday, the second baseman appeared to move freely during full batting practice.

Albies, who sat behind Ronald Acuña Jr. in the lineup for 15 games before his injury, was hitting.317/.386/.492, with two home runs and 14 RBIs. He was hurt last Monday against the Houston Astros after being hit by a pitch on his toe. He finished the game, albeit in discomfort and soreness, but postgame medical exams and an x-ray revealed a break in his big toe, and he was placed on the disabled list on Tuesday.

When Ozzie went on the IL, David Fletcher was called up from AAA Gwinnett and has alternated at second base with Luis Guillorme.