Braves may shut Jason Heyward down for the season

by gondeee on Aug 27, 2009 10:26 AM EDT in Braves Minor League News

Just days after the number-2 prospect in the Atlanta Braves organization, Freddie Freeman, was put on the disabled list, the Braves may be forced to place the top prospect in baseball on the DL. Jason Heyward has been slowed the last couple of games, and the Braves -- wanting to protect the talented young outfielder -- may choose to go ahead and end his season now, and get him ready for the Arizona Fall League. The Times Free Press has the scoop:

Heyward will have his bruised heel evaluated Friday, and any concern by Atlanta officials could result in Chattanooga being the final stop of his sensational season. The 20-year-old played in right field Saturday and Sunday at AT&T, but his only appearance after that was a pinch-hit role Tuesday. [...]

"Being that he's going to the Arizona Fall League, I don't think we see any reason to sit him for seven and then play him for the last five, because if he reinjures it, we're back to square one," Mississippi manager Phillip Wellman said. "If the medical staff deems that he's good, then he'll probably be back in there at some point in time, but until then we're going day-to-day. Those who saw him play understand what all the hoopla is about, but his health is more important. [...]

Heyward said he felt fine as he walked off the field but added, "At this point of the season, there's no need to push or anything like that."

He's right, at this point, no need to push. Let him get healed up and rested and ready for the AFL.

(hat tip: playertobenamed)

Tweet Comment 20 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

NOOOOO

Not yet, at least. I’m going to attempt going to Mississippi on Sunday, and I’ve been denied twice on Minor league trips already, the opportunity to see him play. Deactivate him on September 1st or something.

No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.

by royhobbs on Aug 27, 2009 10:51 AM EDT reply actions

I went to Chattanooga Monday night...

…had my great seat right behind home plate. No Freddie, no Jason, plus losing 8-0 equal to disappointed me. I did get to observe that Matt Young is TINY. Seriously, he looks almost midget-like.

"It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone." A. Bartlett Giamatti

by sddbaker on Aug 27, 2009 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions

Missed him

Went to the games here in the Noog on Monday night, Tuesday night and Wednesday during my lunch break hoping to see Heyward. Missed him.

by playertobenamedlate on Aug 27, 2009 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions

First thing I thought when I saw Matt Young… So that’s how he draws tons of walks. Tiny strike-zone.

Q: If on-base pct is so important then why don't they put it on the scoreboard? -Failcoeur

A: Because the Braves don't want to show their fans how bad you suck.

by timmy3 on Aug 27, 2009 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Awesome. Mississippi makes one trip all year to Zebulon, the only team in the Southern league even remotely close to me. It’s, of course, the last series of the season. You know I love seeing all the guys play, but come on, without Freddie and J-Hay, those games get a lot less interesting.

"At least he didn’t nail the bitchy fat girl from Hell's Kitchen."
www.dropoutproductions.com

by cbwilk on Aug 27, 2009 11:22 AM EDT reply actions

It would be disappointing for him not to get a call up to Atlanta this season, but since the major league team no longer has much of a shot at making the playoffs, I guess it makes sense to protect his health.

by redwards95 on Aug 27, 2009 11:27 AM EDT reply actions

I bought mlb.tv last week for the sole purpose of seeing Heyward’s MLB debut

60% of the time, it works every time

by ATLandUNC on Aug 27, 2009 1:00 PM EDT reply actions

huh?

does MLB.TV offer the AFL?

by traphicg on Aug 27, 2009 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions

At least you will get to see McClouth.

I am planning on going to the Saturday night game. I am bummed too, because this will most likely be my last chance to get to see Heyward. I am assuming he starts at Gwinett or Atlanta next season.

by MBraves! on Aug 27, 2009 1:02 PM EDT reply actions

September is shaping up to be a boring month for Braves baseball. At least I’ll have football to distract me. After the next two series we might spend the rest of the season talking about 2010 and 2011.

We need to go out and get a bat.

by mdhenshaw on Aug 27, 2009 1:35 PM EDT reply actions

Do we have Mets syndrome? Please no…

by SuperNewb on Aug 27, 2009 1:44 PM EDT reply actions

after the first three comments… it gets ridiculous and slightly depressing. I’m amazed at how stupid the comments are. We lose a couple games and all the sudden we are the Mets apparently.

Well this at least gives a reason for why he seemed mortal (obv he isnt actually mortal). Its a good decision to let him heal up and then head out to ARZ. Hopefully, he’ll continue to rake and we’ll get a chance to see him play to start 2010 but we’ll see.

Heyward,Hanson,and Shaffer r ready now!! Why do you think they havent signed the "right handed bat"?

by fatazfoot on Jan 7, 2009 8:59 PM EST

by Swo12bv on Aug 27, 2009 1:52 PM EDT reply actions

agree...

by sddbaker on Aug 27, 2009 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions

C’mon, the Mets? Srsly? They are only losing because of injuries.

We are the f*cking Natinals.

sarcasm off.

by Sparhawk on Aug 27, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions

C’mon the Nationals? They are only losing because they suck.

We are the Indians. ;-)

by Yakker on Aug 27, 2009 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Probably because...

we’re not truly a playoff team, for you to believe that is total ignorance, our offense is pathetic. We gave up 12 runs to the worst offensive team in the majors, and we just lost 2 in a row to said team. With the way the rockies, giants, and marlins are playing, to think we’re the team that’s gonna pull it out is unrealistic thinking.

by BravesRaleigh on Aug 27, 2009 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions

It’s funny when I hear people say this, since , you know, after the All-Star break the Braves have only lead or were second in a lot of key offensive categories (obp, slugging, avg, home runs, etc.)

by streetsonfire on Aug 27, 2009 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions

This is good, seriously!

This way when Freeman and Heyward go to the AFL they are hopefully fully healed and well rested

by drumzalicious on Aug 27, 2009 4:32 PM EDT reply actions

stop with ur reason and proper rationale… its unwelcome

Heyward,Hanson,and Shaffer r ready now!! Why do you think they havent signed the "right handed bat"?

by fatazfoot on Jan 7, 2009 8:59 PM EST

by Swo12bv on Aug 27, 2009 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions

The base paths belonged to me, the runner. The rules gave me the right. I always went into a bag full speed, feet first. I had sharp spikes on my shoes. If the baseman stood where he had no business to be and got hurt, that was his fault. -Ty Cobb

by Tim Goad on Aug 28, 2009 2:39 AM EDT up reply actions