Jason Heyward Out Indefinitely After Emergency Appendectomy

The Atlanta Braves will be without right fielder Jason Heyward for an undetermined amount of time after undergoing an emergency appendectomy in Denver, Colorado on Monday. Heyward had been feeling ill this weekend and when the Braves checked him in to Rose Medical Center in Denver on Monday it was discovered that the 23-year old needed an appendectomy and the procedure was performed that same day.

As an obvious result, Heyward was slated to miss the Braves game against the Colorado Rockies had the game not been postponed due to snow. But Heyward will miss the double-header makeup game on Tuesday and it’s not known how much longer after that he’ll be out.

Heyward was a highly touted rookie back in 2010 but has run into problems this season, hitting just .121 with two home runs so far. But despite Heyward’s early woes, the Braves currently boast a 13-5 record and remain one of the hottest teams in baseball. Heyward is part of a trifecta outfield for Atlanta that features the Upton brothers B.J. and Justin in center and left field.

While there is no timetable for Heyward’s return, an appendectomy usually takes at least a week to recover from, but his woes this season may inspire the Braves to sit him a little longer. In his absence the Braves are expected to use Reed Johnson and Jordan Schafer in right field.