WASHINGTON (AP) — Rookie slugger Jason Heyward is out of the Atlanta Braves’ starting lineup against the Washington Nationals, a day after leaving in the second inning with a sore right groin.
Braves manager Bobby Cox said Thursday that Heyward might be available to pinch hit. Melky Cabrera is starting in right field in Heyward’s place.
Cox says he isn’t sure how long Heyward might be sidelined but says the outfielder could be back in the starting lineup during Atlanta’s series against the Philadelphia Phillies that begins Friday.
The 20-year-old Heyward is hitting .286 and leads Atlanta eight homers and 24 RBIs.
