Jason Heyward Leaves Tuesday Night’s Game

Aug 5, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder

(22) hits a single during the third inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit:

-USA TODAY Sports

Jason Heyward has left Tuesday nights game against the Nationals with an apparent muscle strain in his neck.  This occurred on a 0-1 pitch in the top of the first inning.  Heyward took a normal swing on a high pitch and you couldn’t see any initial reaction by JHey.  But after a few seconds of backing away from the plate, you could see something was strange.

Atlanta’s trainer Jeff Porter and Fredi Gonzalez came out to check on Heyward and stayed with him for a few minutes.  Heyward stayed in the game for his at-bat but flied out on the next pitch to short.

Heyward has been on a tear since the Braves placed in him the leadoff spot batting .343 (12-for-35) and actually Atlanta hasn’t lost a game when he’s batted first.  His batting average is up to .235 and he’s holding a .340 on base percentage.

Evan Gattis has replaced Heyward in the outfield and the extent of the injury is unknown.  The Braves announced that Heyward was considered day to day.  We will update you when we hear something.