Message from Jason Heyward
Aug 21, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder
Jason Heyward(22) is tended to by trainers and
Fredi Gonzalez(33) after getting hit in the face by a pitch from New York Mets starting pitcher
Jonathon Niese(not pictured) during the sixth inning of a game at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Unless you have been out of the country, and probably even if you have, you know about Jason Heyward being hit by a Jonathan Niese pitch in the matinee game recently against the New York Mets. His jaw was broken in two places, and is being held in place with rubber bands instead of having to be wired. That’s the only good news, because despite what you may have heard, Jason Heyward is likely out for the rest of the season, including the playoffs. There is a slim chance we could see him in October, but even that is an iffy proposition. How effective Jason could be even if he returns, is a good question.
All that aside, my purpose here is to report a touch on how Jason is doing. His absence from the lineup is a huge blow to the Atlanta Braves however you slice it, and so all we can do at this point is think good thoughts, and express our wishes to Jason for a speedy recovery, and no lasting or long-term affects.
Jason Heyward tweeted a thank you message to all his supporters and fans today, and I wanted to pass his message along…
"Morning. Blessed to see another day.Before I’m asked to do any interviews regarding my most recent injury, I’d like to personally..Thank EVERYONE for their well wishes, positive thoughts and prayers. I’m overwhelmed by the amount of people that have reached out. That love, appreciation and respect makes it hard not to shed a tear. My friends, family and I are grateful.While baseball isn’t life I love this game to death. It’s also hard not to be frustrated and hurt for my teammates, coaches and fans that I have battled with and received support from all season. My heart goes out to them as I know there’s never a right time to be injured but at this point in the season it hits home the most.As a group the Braves still have high expectations for the rest of the season and I will participate in whichever way time and healing allows me to do so. On or off the field my teammates always have my love and support. Good, bad or indifferent. Our common goal is to make the playoffs and excel in October. My personal goal is to heal in time to be ready to join my teammates and coaches on the field for the postseason with the mindset to finish what we’ve started.Looking forward to joining my team asap and showing them support until I can be on the field again with them. In the mean time I’ll be doing my best to stay in shape. Putting my best foot forward for an opportunity to play in October.I don’t like taking up your time by talking about myself much. I hate to bring the attention to myself alone, while it’s never all about me. It’s about all of us involved in the game of baseball. But at the end of the day I wanted EVERYONE to receive the “THANK YOU” and appreciation from me and only me because it’s most genuine. Again thank you, and take care.Talk to u/ see u soon,Jason Heyward"