Travis d’Arnaud could miss rest of season for Braves

Travis d'Arnaud, Atlanta Braves. (Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports)
Travis d'Arnaud, Atlanta Braves. (Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports) /
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The Atlanta Braves received the worst possible injury update on catcher Travis d’Arnaud on Sunday afternoon.

The Braves initial update, which required a 60-day injured list trip for d’Arnaud with a thumb sprain, left open the possibility for a return later this season. Atlanta still has yet to declared their catcher out for the entire year, but considering he’s undergoing surgery a recovery by the end of the season seems unlikely.

Per Dave O’Brien of the Athletic, “Travis d’Arnaud has a torn thumb ligament, will require surgery. #Braves hope/think they’ll have him back at some point late in season, but no certainty.”

The Braves called up William Contreras, the brother of Willson, as backup catcher Alex Jackson was also placed on the injured list. Puns forgiven (please), the Braves really can’t catch a break.

Atlanta stuck in crowded NL East, now without their starting catcher

The loss of d’Arnaud will be noticeable for the Braves. He had posted a .220/.253/.341 slash line so far this season, and was leading a disappointing, but injury-plagued Braves pitching staff.

The Braves are 4-6 in their last ten games, and sit in fourth place in their division, just two games back of the Washington Nationals. Every team in the NL East is within 2.5 games of the division lead, and the Braves would prefer not to fall last in line of that bunch.

For now, Atlanta will employ Contreras as their starting backstop. The 23-year-old doesn’t have a ton of experience, but he has plenty of promise. Should he perform well, Brian Snitker will have a serious decision on his hands as to whether Contreras or Alex Jackson receive the majority of games at backstop.

dark. Next. Braves down to their third catcher with latest brutal injury news