Jason Heyward Is Injured
By Brad Stiene
Jul 11, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Jason Heyward (22) is attended to by third base coach Brian Snitker (51) after an injury in the second inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
Jason Heyward left early in Thursday’s Braves/Reds game after sliding into third base on a ball hit down the third-base line by Justin Upton. It was later announced by the Braves that Heyward has been preliminarily diagnosed with a strained right hamstring. Heyward was, however, able to walk off on his own power, and he will be reevaluated on Friday.
Now, this is some big news. With the Braves already having an injury-laden season (including the absence of Evan Gattis and Jordan Schafer at the moment), the Braves might have to go dig into their minor league system even more to find a replacement unless Joey Terdoslavich is up for the challenge of an expanded role.
From the look of it, it didn’t look all that bad (but what do I know I’m not a doctor). However, hamstrings are no joke, so this will likely mean that Reed Johnson might get more playing time than what fans are accustomed to in the coming days.
Stay tuned for updates as they are made available.