Jordan Schafer Diagnosed w/ Stress Fracture

June 25, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder Jordan Schafer (17) doubles in a run against the Kansas City Royals during the fifth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

During Friday night’s game with the Cincinnati Reds, the Braves received some (more) bad news regarding the health of their once-deep outfield.

Jordan Schafer was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his ankle that will keep him out for a total of 6 weeks. Because Schafer has already missed 2 weeks with the injury, it is approximately a four-week timetable from this point, but that is obviously fluid. I think it would be aggressive to project anything before the middle of August for a return for Schafer, and with BJ Upton going down during Friday’s game, this information acts as a piling on for the Braves.

Instructions for Schafer are reportedly to rehab via non-weight bearing activity, so look for reports on Schafer’s rehab from inside the pool. In the grand scheme, losing the team’s 4th outfielder shouldn’t be a major blow, but with Heyward (and now Upton) banged up a bit and Gattis still on the disabled list, the Braves outfield suddenly lacks depth in a major way.

Stay tuned.