Jason Heyward still out with thumb injury for Atlanta Braves

The bad news continues to roll in for the floundering Atlanta Braves, as right fielder Jason Heyward remains out of the lineup today:

Heyward hasn’t played since Wednesday, when he injured his left thumb, though he remains day-to-day, and could return tomorrow. Heyward and sick catcher Evan Gattis (strep throat) remain out for the Braves, and are Atlanta’s two best hitters behind Justin Upton in an otherwise punchless lineup.

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Heyward has 11 home runs, 19 stolen bases, and is slashing .272/.351/.387 for the year.

Of course, the Braves have been in a rut nearly all month, effectively putting themselves on the brink of elimination, with a sub-.500 record of 76-78, but are technically still alive in the Wild Card race.

Atlanta is 7.0 GB in the Wild Card with an elimination number (combo of wins by team in first+ losses by team) at two, meaning the Braves will have to win out and get some help to even have a prayer of making it back to the playoffs.

Even worse for Atlanta is starter Mike Minor left last night’s loss with shoulder soreness after pitching an inning.

The Braves aren’t dead yet, but it could be too large a hill to climb for the banged-up Atlanta crew.

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