ATLANTA — Jason Heyward is returning from a shoulder injury as the Braves' starter in right field against the New York Mets.

The Braves activated Heyward from the 15-day disabled list and optioned outfielder Matt Young to Triple-A Gwinnett on Wednesday.

Heyward has missed 18 games since May 22 with inflammation in his right shoulder. He played two games with Gwinnett on a rehab assignment.

Heyward is hitting .214 with seven homers and 14 RBIs. He was hitting .098 in 17 games in May before he was placed on the disabled list.

He hit .277 with 18 homers and 72 RBIs as a rookie in 2010.