Braves Place Jason Heyward on DL, Activate Matt Diaz

Braves Rookie Right Fielder Jason Heyward was placed on the Disabled List Monday with a deep bone bruise in his left thumb. The good news is Heyward has a strained ligament and won’t require surgery. The Braves are taking no chance with the rookie and disabled him with the hope that it will have time to heal.

To take Heyward’s place on the roster, the Braves will activate Right Fielder Matt Diaz from the disabled list. Diaz had been out after surgery to remove a splinter from his thumb that was causing an infection. Diaz had been on a rehab assignment at Triple A Gwinnett.

At this point we are not sure how this will effect Heyward and his status for the All Star Game. Currently he was fourth overall and second among National League Outfielders in fan voting. Still with the bigger picture in mind the Braves made a wise choice as the injury was clearly effecting Heyward who has seen his average fall all the way to .251.