CHICAGO — After saying Saturday that he would probably be ready to play Sunday, Braves right fielder Jason Heyward decided to take one more day to rest his right hamstring.
He said the change in plans came after manager Fredi Gonzalez told him the Braves wanted Heyward to play center field until B.J. Upton (adductor muscle strain) returns from the 15-day disabled list.
“He let me know he’d like me to play center until B.J. gets back, which is A-OK with me,” Heyward said. “I just wanted to make sure that my legs were 100 percent before I go out there and attempt to do that. So, having this extra day is great for me.
“I’m ready to go play some defense (Sunday), if I have to, late in the game. And tomorrow (Monday at New York) see where we’re at. But I think I’ll be good to go for tomorrow.”
Heyward has been out since straining his hamstring while sliding on July 11.
