Venters hopes to throw bullpen session Saturday

Vivlamore reporting from Turner Field.

Jonny Venters threw again Friday, his third session in the past three days after being placed on the disabled list prior to the All-Star break.

Venters said he felt “great” after a long-toss session and the left-handed reliever hoped to throw a bullpen session Saturday.

Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said a short rehab stint is likely. Venters was placed on the disabled list with elbow inflammation on July 5. He is eligible to come off next weekend while the Braves are in Washington. …

Matt Kimbrel, the brother of closer Craig Kimbrel, signed with the Braves and threw in the bullpen during a team workout Thursday. He was scheduled to join the Gulf Coast League Braves rookie ball affiliate Friday. Kimbrel, 22, was drafted in the 31st round of the June draft.

By signing Kimbrel, the Braves have now signed 30 of their top 31 picks in the draft. The only exception is catcher Levi Borders, son of former Blue Jays catcher Pat Borders, whom the Braves took in the 11th round out of Winter Haven (Fla.) High School.

- Chris Vivlamore