Atlanta Braves Injury Update: Justin Upton
By Jeff Schafer
Braves fans took a deep breath and got a knot in their stomach when Justin Upton came up iffy after running out a bunt in the 5th inning. Upton would tried to stretch out his left leg and even went over to the Braves dugout to drink some water but he was ultimately pulled for a pinch runner and left the game.
Aug 10, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder Justin Upton (8) shown in the dugout after the Miami Marlins defeated the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. The Marlins defeated the Braves 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Just when everything started clicking for the Braves, Brian McCann has knee soreness and now Upton has to come out of the game. But Braves fans, from early reports, Upton only had cramps and is day-to-day.
This is the second time this season Justin has had to leave the game from cramps. He came out of the game against the Cincinnati Reds on July 12th game after his left calf cramped up as he ran out a groundball. Then, he missed the next two games before the All-Star break. That could of been a precaution act since the break was coming.
But in any case, camping is an issue. Team trainers need to look into this and get Justin some bananas or drink more water.
Manager Fredi Gonzalez spoke on this issue, “We’ve got to figure out a way to keep him on the field without cramping,”
The 25-year-old, is hitting .267/.356/.482 with 22 homers, 61 RBI and 74 runs on the season. Heading into Sunday, he was hitting .395/.452/.921 with six homers and 13 RBI in nine games in August. Before the injury occurred, he dropped down a bunt in hopes to load the bases for Freddie Freeman.
Cramp injuries shouldn’t linger but Atlanta may hold him out for a few games with the big lead in the NL East. Though from what Justin told reports after the game, we may see him on the field tomorrow against the Phillies.
After the game, Upton spoke on his departure from the game and injury, “I’m hoping to be in there tomorrow. I feel good enough.”