Jason Heyward missed his third consecutive game Sunday with swelling in his left thumb from being hit by a pitch Wednesday against the Nationals.

X-rays taken Wednesday were negative, but Braves right fielder still could not grip a bat Sunday and has worn a brace on his hand between icing and other treatments the past several days. The injury is to his throwing hand.

“It’s not good enough to play,” Heyward said, when asked Sunday morning if there was any improvement. “It takes a while for (swelling) to come out.”

Heyward missed the entire three-game series against the Mets that ended Sunday, and didn’t know if he would be ready to play Monday against the Pirates.

“We’ll see,” he said. “Unfortunately, thumbs are slow to heal. Gripping the bat, I’d like to be able to do that before I (try to) play.”

Heyward added that the Braves wouldn’t allow him to return anyway before the thumb is sufficiently healed.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Georgia Southern accepted a berth to the Birmingham Bowl, but it is still awaiting an opponent. According to reports, no one has accepted an invitation yet. (Sarah Peacock for the AJC)

Credit: Sarah Peacock

Featured

Ceudy Gutierrez reads a book to her 2-year-old son, Matias, at their home in Buford, GA, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. Ceudy Gutierrez is struggling to make ends meet for herself and her three young kids following her husband’s ICE arrest earlier this fall. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez