ATLANTA -- Over the course of the past week, the Braves have had reason to be both pessimistic and optimistic about the return of Rafael Soriano. Some days the veteran right-handed reliever's elbow has felt good, and during others it has provided some discomfort.

But with his elbow feeling good on Monday afternoon at Turner Field, Soriano said that he planned to play catch on Tuesday, and then possibly make his first attempt to throw off a mound on Thursday. He has been sidelined since April 6 because of the elbow discomfort.

When told that Soriano hopes to throw off a mound near the end of this week, a cautiously optimistic Braves manager Bobby Cox said, "We'll see."

Soriano hasn't even attempted to throw since feeling some pain while simply playing catch on Friday. The 28-year-old right-hander, who underwent Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery in 2004, battled some discomfort during the early portion of Spring Training, and didn't make his Grapefruit League debut until March 15.

After watching Soriano limit opponents to a .181 batting average in a career-high 71 appearances last year, the Braves provided him with a two-year, $9.1 million contract. Now they are hoping to get him on the mound as soon as possible.

Soriano said he's not concerned that this could be an injury that forces him to miss significant portions of this season.

"Three or four doctors have said the ligament is fine," Soriano said.

With Soriano and top setup man Peter Moylan, who is likely destined for season-ending surgery, both sidelined, the Braves are using Manny Acosta as their closer. In the seven appearances he's made since allowing four earned runs in his season debut, Acosta has worked 7 1/3 scoreless innings and limited opponents to a .167 batting average.