Just days after the number-2 prospect in the Atlanta Braves organization, Freddie Freeman, was put on the disabled list, the Braves may be forced to place the top prospect in baseball on the DL. Jason Heyward has been slowed the last couple of games, and the Braves -- wanting to protect the talented young outfielder -- may choose to go ahead and end his season now, and get him ready for the Arizona Fall League. The Times Free Press has the scoop:
Heyward will have his bruised heel evaluated Friday, and any concern by Atlanta officials could result in Chattanooga being the final stop of his sensational season. The 20-year-old played in right field Saturday and Sunday at AT&T, but his only appearance after that was a pinch-hit role Tuesday. [...]
"Being that he's going to the Arizona Fall League, I don't think we see any reason to sit him for seven and then play him for the last five, because if he reinjures it, we're back to square one," Mississippi manager Phillip Wellman said. "If the medical staff deems that he's good, then he'll probably be back in there at some point in time, but until then we're going day-to-day. Those who saw him play understand what all the hoopla is about, but his health is more important. [...]
Heyward said he felt fine as he walked off the field but added, "At this point of the season, there's no need to push or anything like that."
He's right, at this point, no need to push. Let him get healed up and rested and ready for the AFL.
(hat tip: playertobenamed)