Braves outfielder Jason Heyward suffered a broken jaw after he was hit in the face by a pitch during Wednesday’s game. The Braves announced later on that Heyward was stabilized.
However, the outfielder will have to undergo surgery on Thursday. He will return to Atlanta before the operation happens, according to the team’s statement.
But the real question is how long Heyward will be out with the injury, reports ESPN. It is likely that the outfielder won’t play again for four to six weeks.
Jason Heyward was hit by a 90 mph fastball from New York Mets lefty Jonathan Niese during the sixth inning. The impact made a loud noise and the crowd immediately groaned as the outfielder fell to the ground.
Heyward remained on the ground for a few minutes, being tended to boy several people, before he was helped to his feet and off the field.
Manager Fredi Gonzalez also assured that his player “never lost consciousness” and even “popped his head into the clubhouse to say goodbye to some of the guys.”
For his part, Yahoo! Sports notes that Niese appeared very shaken by his pitch that hit Jason Heyward. He fidgeted at the mound and tried to walk toward Heyward. However, he was ushered away by catcher John Buck.
Niese then allowed the tying run. Atlanta ended up winning the game 4-1 in 10 innings. It wasn’t the first time the Braves have seen a catastrophic injury to one of their players.
Pitcher Tim Hudson also fractured his ankle at Citi Field in July. After the game, Niese commented that he “felt horrible.” He added, “Sometimes this game can be pretty dangerous. One minute you’re playing, the next you’re down. I felt terrible.”
Buck added that the whole incident was “scary.” He went on to explain that, while watching Heyward get hit in the face was bad enough, seeing him spit up blood was “even scarier.”
Several Braves took to Twitter to send best wished to Jason Heyward on his injury and recovery.
