Braves IF Paul Janish breaks nose in interesting fashion

Normally, stories surrounding the National League Division Series are about plays and/or decisions made on the field. However, in Paul Janish’s case, he is in the headlines for a hilarious off-field incident.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Carroll Rogers, the Braves’ backup infielder has suffered a broken nose… in the midst of lifting weights. Yes, Janish was injured when a 45-pound weight fell off a rack and smashed into his face, and we can add this to the ever-growing list of ridiculous off-field injuries to baseball players.

Coincidentally, Janish hasn’t appeared in the NLDS to this point, but Rogers (and Janish, himself) is quick to point out that his exclusion has nothing to do with the broken nose. Here are Janish’s thoughts (courtesy of the AJC):

"“It was a freak deal. I’ve had some stitches, but it’s not bad. It doesn’t affect anything so long as I don’t get hit in the nose again. It’s just a little uncomfortable. It’s all right.”"

For his career, Janish has a .214/.284/.288 slash line with 7 home runs in 1,206 plate appearances, so his offensive production isn’t exactly a loss for Atlanta. He’ll likely be used as a defensive replacement if the Braves can form a significant lead in Game 4 (which doesn’t appear likely after this news), but until then, he’ll be best known for this little incident.