Heyward back in lineup for Braves

Braves right fielder Jason Heyward returned the lineup Tuesday after missing four games with a bruised left thumb.

Heyward left Wednesday’s game against the Nationals after he was hit in the hand with a pitch. X-rays were negative for a fracture but Heyward had been unable to grip a bat since then.

Heyward sent manager Fredi Gonzalez a text Tuesday afternoon asking him to give him a chance to play catch and take some swings in the batting cage before Gonzalez made out the lineup. Gonzalez said he’s confident Heyward isn’t risking further injury by playing.

“It’s a bone bruise,” Heyward said. “That’s the root of the evil. But the swelling is down.”

Heyward was placed on the disabled list during his rookie season of 2010 with a bone bruise to the same thumb and a strained ligament. He ended up missing 13 games because of that injury.

“This one is different,” he said. “I’m just looking forward to playing.”

About the Author

Georgia native Byron Buxton announces participation in Home Run Derby

Twins center fielder Byron Buxton announced he will participate in MLB’s Home Run Derby, taking place July 14 at Truist Park as a part of All-Star Week, on social media.

Four takeaways from the Braves’ being swept by the Orioles

The team’s postseason chances appear bleak.

Braves’ Olson, Sale overcome slow starts to earn All-Star selections

Despite their lackluster season, the host Braves will have three All-Stars on July 15 at the Midsummer Classic at Truist Park.

The Latest

Credit: AP

Georgia native Byron Buxton announces participation in Home Run Derby

Braves Report: Yikes, Part 89

Four takeaways from the Braves’ being swept by the Orioles

Featured

Credit: Ziyu Julian Zhu/AJC

Unemployment in Georgia is down, but so is the labor force. Why?

Georgia’s labor force has declined by nearly 30,000 compared to May last year. Here are some reasons why.

Georgia appeals court rules election boards must certify results

The Georgia Court of Appeals ruled that election board members are required to certify election results even when they have concerns about fraud or errors.

Atlanta crypto biz owner caught up in fraud says it’s ‘like living in a James Bond movie’

Prosecutors say North Korean IT specialists are 'infiltrating' tech companies in the U.S. as remote workers to steal money from businesses and funnel it back to North Korea.