ATLANTA -- Kyle Freeland threw a full bullpen at SunTrust Park on Friday, using all his pitches but not using any protection on his left middle finger, and is expected to return to the Rockies’ rotation Monday at Milwaukee.

Freeland, who went to the injured list after a finger blister affected him over three starts, had thrown Wednesday, wearing an ointment designed to strengthen the nail. Although the club did not make a formal announcement, Freeland is eligible to come off the 10-day injured list on Monday, and pitching then would keep the rest of the rotation on normal rest.

The Rockies placed him on the IL after his May 18 start, when he held the Phillies to no runs and two hits in six innings of a 6-2 victory. The fear was the issue would become chronic.

“Obviously, I’m going to monitor it throughout my next start,” Freeland said. “But in the two side sessions I’ve had over the past three days, it feels good. I let it go. You gotta test it to make sure it’s ready. I tested it, throwing my bullpen at normal bullpen rate and everything held up.”

Relievers nearly back

Lefty Jake McGee (left knee sprain) threw off the slope of the mound Friday and is expected to throw a full bullpen session Saturday. He said a new lightweight knee brace designed to keep the MCL stable is working wonders, and the muscles around the knee remain strong.

Lefty Chris Rusin, who hasn’t pitched in a game this year because of a mid-back strain, is scheduled to throw a bullpen Saturday, but said the club may upgrade the session to a live batting practice. Either way, his progress is accelerating toward an injury rehab assignment.