Tomahawk Chops: Daily Atlanta Braves News Clippings For Wednesday, June 20th

Your one-page (somewhat) daily morning overview of Atlanta Braves news:

Atlanta Braves at New York Yankees - June 19, 2012 | MLB.com ATL Recap
Heyward enjoyed one of his most impressive performances of the season while helping the Braves snap a three-game losing streak with a 4-3 win over the previously red-hot Yankees on Tuesday night. Along with displaying his speed, he showed off his powerful arm and literally hurt Mark Teixeira with his potent bat. "He can change a game so many different ways," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "Offensively, defensively, on the basepaths, and he did today."

Heyward, Simmons help Braves end Yankees’ streak | Atlanta Braves
Rookie shortstop Andrelton Simmons drove in two runs and fellow 22-year-old Jason Heyward threw out a runner at the plate and had the game-winning RBI for the Braves, who snapped a three-game losing skid and ended the Yankees’ 10-game winning streak, the longest in the majors this season. "The youngsters getting it done today," Simmons said with a laugh, thoroughly enjoying the aftermath of his 16th game in the major leagues.

Braves quotes after Tuesday’s win over Yankees | Atlanta Braves
Tim Hudson on Heyward’s game: "He shows flashes of greatness. Every now and again he shows you what he can do. Defensively he’s been awesome. He covers a lot of ground out there and he’s got a great arm, and he’s been coming up with some big hits for us lately. It’s nice to see."

Braves planning to be without Beachy | braves.com: News
Brandon Beachy will meet with Dr. James Andrews on Wednesday before learning whether he will need to undergo Tommy John surgery. But with confirmation that he has a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, the Braves are already planning for the possibility that he will not pitch the remainder of the season.

Jurrjens could help Braves now and possibly in trade scenario | Atlanta Braves
"We asked him to improve his consistency on his [velocity], which he has," Gonzalez said. "Strengthen the [speed difference] in his changeup and his fastball, and he’s done that. And I think he’s come up with a slider that’s got more depth on it. I’m curious to see him pitch, I really am." Curious and hopeful. Because if Andrews’ second opinion on Beachy’s injury is what most expect it to be and surgery is recommended, the Braves are going to need the rest of their starters to pick up some slack. That, or trade for an established veteran pitcher, which would likely cost the Braves a prospect or two and stress a payroll that has little room under the Braves’ current self-imposed limit.

Chipper Jones in contention for All-Star Game start at third base for National League | braves.com: News
While pointing out Kansas City's Kauffman Stadium is the only current ballpark he has not played in, Chipper Jones quickly said this did not mean he wanted sympathy votes when it came time for fans to cast their All-Star ballots. Nearly two months later, Jones remains in contention to be elected to what would be his final All-Star Game.

Uggla lengthens All-Star lead; Braves-Nats rainout rescheduled | Atlanta Braves
Dan Uggla maintained a commanding lead in the All-Star voting for National League second basemen, but he could end up being the only Braves position player selected to play in the July 10 All-Star game at Kansas City. Uggla had just over 2 million votes in the third weekly voting update announced Tuesday, putting him far ahead of Cincinnati’s Brandon Phillips, who was second with 1,272,389 votes. The leading vote-getters at each position will be All-Star starters, while the pitching staff and reserve position players will be chosen through a combination of player ballots and the managers for the NL and AL All-Star teams.

DeSantiago's triple highlights season-opening victory for D-Braves | GoDanRiver.com
"It’s really been paying off. When I was in Orlando, I hit very well using the whole field," DeSantiago said. "Just being a little more aggressive. Definitely laying off the bad pitches and hunting the fastball is the key. Pitchers at this level have a tough time commanding the offspeed pitch on a consistent basis."