The Atlanta Braves received some positive news regarding Jason Heyward's injured thumb following Wednesday's 3-1 victory over the Washington Nationals.
X-rays on Heyward's left thumb were negative. But he knows that thumb ailments can prove to be a lingering problem. #Braves
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) September 18, 2014
Heyward departed in the eighth inning after the thumb began to swell on his throwing hand. The good news, however, is that the Braves have a day off Thursday before beginning a three-game set with the New York Mets, giving Heyward an extra day to hope the swelling reduces.
Heyward's absence from the lineup moving forward would likely be a final blow to the team's already slim playoff hopes. He's batting .272 with 11 home runs and 58 RBIs to this point, and is one of the most athletic right fielders in the game.