Jason Heyward may miss the rest of the 2013 MLB regular season with a fractured jaw suffered during the Atlanta Braves' game against the New York Mets on Wednesday afternoon, Zach Klein of WSBTV in Atlanta reports. Heyward was plunked on the side of his face by a pitch from Mets starter Jonathon Niese in the sixth inning. He is expected to be out 4-6 weeks.
The pitch was reportedly a 90 mph fastball that left Heyward crumpled on the ground for several minutes. The right fielder was eventually helped onto his feet and was spitting blood while being escorted off the field. Heyward was eventually taken to a hospital.
The timing of Heyward's departure is unfortunate for him and the Braves. He had been playing well since moving into the leadoff spot in the lineup in July. In the month of August, Heyward was batting .359 with four home runs and 10 RBI. The Braves are currently in first place in the NL East by 15 1/2 games over the Washington Nationals.
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