Rodriguez back in Braves’ lineup

The moment of realization for Sean Rodriguez came Sunday when he was playing with his kids on the veteran’s first day off in a week during an injury-rehab assignment. He had played 11 games in two weeks for four different Braves minor-league affiliates — Orlando, Rome, Mississippi and Gwinnett County.

“We were playing Whiffle Ball in the backyard and my daughter asked me, ‘Daddy, do you have to go play again tomorrow?’” Rodriguez said, smiling as he recalled the incident. “I said, ‘I do.’ And she asked which stadium. I’ve been traveling to a few. I said, ‘The big one, SunTrust.’ She said, ‘Wait, does that mean you’re back with the team?’ I said, ‘Yeah, baby girl, it means I’m back.’

“So it’s a good feeling. It’s going to be really good.”

Indeed, Rodriguez is back far sooner than anyone thought possible after surgery in early February to repair extensive damage in his nonthrowing shoulder, sustained in a car accident. An injury that many thought might take twice as long for full recovery has taken Rodriguez, 32, barely five months to overcome.

“I guess every now and then you doubt the power of God,” he said, “but this is a reminder not to doubt it. I mean, He definitely helped me get to where I am right now, because it’s going to be five months. That’s pretty miraculous

Rodriguez was activated Monday and immediately thrust into the Braves lineup at third base for a series opener against the World Series champion Cubs. His wife and their four kids were there to see it. They couldn’t have been any more excited than he was Monday afternoon.

Rodriguez sustained a torn rotator cuff, labrum damage, biceps tendon relocation, all repaired via surgery in early February. Rodriguez was injured along with his wife and their two sons in a terrifying car crash when a stolen Miami police cruiser ran through a red light and crashed into the SUV that Rodriguez was driving. Most thought he’d be lucky to play in September and would more likely miss the entire season.

“It’s very remarkable,” Bravesmanager Brian Snitker said. “I had heard throughout the whole thing, all the doctors couldn’t believe how fast he came back. But if you came in here on Saturday morning when we were on the road, he’d be in the pool and working out. He was very dedicated to getting back.” — DAVID O’BRIEN