Jason Heyward Finally Lands on DL

The Atlanta Braves and Jason Heyward have finally come to the realization that his pesky thumb injury, which he's been dealing with for over six weeks now, is not going to heal on its own.

The rookie right fielder sat out for a third straight game Monday before an MRI revealed a deep bone bruise in his left thumb. His average has slid all the way down to .251 in the midst of his 1-for-16 slump, but I'm sure it's kinda hard to play baseball with a busted digit.

After being placed on the 15-day disabled list, Heyward had this to say:

We're doing the best thing, I believe. Right now is a good opportunity to get it done, get the rest done, get the strength back so I'll be able to come back the second half.

The National League's Rookie of the Month for April and May should be eligible to come off the DL during the All-Star break, July 12-14. Sadly, this means All-Star festivities are pretty much out the question, even though he leads NL rookies with 11 bombs and 45 RBIs.

Matt Diaz, fresh off thumb surgery, has been activated from the 15-day DL to replace Heyward in the outfield. Diaz hit .313 with 13 longballs for the Braves last season, but was batting just .178 on May 15 before going under the knife.

Get well soon, Jay Hey!

[USA Today] | [Braves Blast] | [Fantasy Knuckleheads]

Top Five MLB Rookies, Destined for Greatness

Every now and again, Babes Love Baseball has the pleasure of posting a guest article from knowledgeable women who we know you'll love. Pammy Rosen is a Montreal-born lifelong Expos baseball fanatic. Since the Expos became the Washington Nationals in 2005, she has been following the Toronto Blue Jays, the Boston Red Sox and the Florida Marlins. Other than baseball, Pammy also enjoys watching NHL hockey, CFL football, boxing and mixed martial arts. Enjoy!


Every year brings about renewed optimism and this year is no different. While many teams are looking forward to what 2010 might bring, individual front offices are busy building their hopes, dreams and baseball ticket sales around the lowest of the low in baseball terms – the rookies. Some of these guys are going to be carrying bats and riding on the media bus at times this season, but they will have a major impact both this year and going forward. Here are five rookies to watch in Major League Baseball this season, as they’re headed for huge things.