Jason Heyward out 4-6 weeks with broken jaw

Aug 21, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Jason Heyward (22) is hit by a pitch from New York Mets starting pitcher Jonathon Niese (not pictured) and is tended to by Mets catcher John Buck (44) and home plate umpire Greg Gibson (53) during the sixth inning of a game at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

The Atlanta Braves continue to cruise toward the postseason, but they’ll likely have to make their run to October without one of their most exiting players on the team.

Rotoworld reports that Jason Heyward could be out for up to six weeks after getting hit in the jaw by a pitch from New York Mets starter Jon Niese on Wednesday.

"Heyward was hit in the jaw by a Jon Niese pitch during Wednesday’s game, resultingin [sic] a pair of fractures. It’s obviously a big blow for the Braves, but luckily they have a big cushion in the National League East. Heyward should be back late in the season and be fine for the playoffs. B.J. Upton, Jordan Schafer and Evan Gattis will see more at-bats with Heyward out."

Niese hoped that Howard was okay after the game.

The 24-year-old outfielder hasn’t lived up to his best season yet last year thanks to injuries. He’s played 94 games total so far this season, and he’ll likely barely make it over 100 games if that when October rolls around.

Despite not having Heyward to help, it will be hard for the Braves to miss the postseason. They enjoy a 15.5 game lead over the Washington Nationals in the National League East and currently have a 99.9 percent chance of making the playoffs according to Coolstandings.

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