Justin Upton exits Braves’ win early with leg injury

Aug 11, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder Justin Upton (8) comes out of the game with an injury in the fifth inning against the Miami Marlins at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports /

While it doesn’t seem like the Atlanta Braves will be without the services of their star outfielder for very long, it certainly made the entire Atlanta fan base gasp a bit when Justin Upton left Sunday afternoon’s game.

Upton exited the Braves’ 9-4 victory over the Marlins in the 5th inning, just after he put down a controversial bunt (yes, the team’s best slugger bunted) that led to a force out. The 25-year-old outfielder was seen flexing and holding his left leg after he reached base, and he was immediately left for an ironic pinch-runner in the form of his older brother, BJ.

Before the game even ended, the Atlanta Braves official Twitter account broke the news of his injury diagnosis:

Justin Upton left this afternoon's game with a left hamstring cramp.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 11, 2013

Braves fans can dance in the streets, as Upton’s cramp diagnosis likely means that he will be available very soon, if not for the team’s next game as they host Philadelphia on Monday night. That is fantastic news because of the hot streak Upton has been on recently, having produced a .322/.379/.575 slash line with 6 home runs since the All-Star break.

It hasn’t been the picture-perfect season that many foresaw for Upton after his blazing-hot start in April, but he has rebounded nicely just as the Braves have gone on an amazing winning binge. He is certainly key to the success of the NL’s best team, and it appears that he’ll be back in the lineup in the immediate future.

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