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.
