NEW YORK – Braves outfielder Jason Heyward sustained two jaw fractures when he was struck by a pitch and will undergo surgery on Thursday.

The Braves said that Heyward’s jaw has been stabilized, and he was to return to Atlanta on Wednesday night in advance of the operation. The team will announce how long Heyward will be sidelined after surgery is completed.

Heyward was beaned by a 90 mph fastball from New York Mets left-hander Jonathon Niese in the sixth inning of the Braves’ 4-1, 10-inning win on Wednesday. The impact made a loud noise, and the crowd groaned as Heyward crumpled to the ground.

He stayed down on his back for about three minutes before getting helped to his feet. Heyward walked slowly off the field under his own power, escorted by a trainer, and was replaced by Jordan Schafer.

Visibly concerned, Niese tapped himself with his glove as Heyward walked off, and Heyward appeared to acknowledge him.

An inning later, the Mets announced that Heyward was examined by their doctors before he was taken to the hospital for X-Rays.

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On a tear at the plate since moving into the leadoff spot last month, Heyward began the day batting .254 with 13 homers and 37 RBI.

Atlanta entered with a 15-game lead in the NL East.

YANKEES: Alex Rodriguez said he’s cutting off all non-baseball talk after a wild weekend of accusations and retaliations on and off the field.

Playing while he appeals a 211-game suspension for violating baseball’s drug agreement and labor contract, the New York Yankees star and his fleet of lawyers and representatives sparred with the Yankees and Major League Baseball over his medical care and evidence in the doping case that stems from MLB’s investigation into Biogenesis, the now-closed Florida anti-aging clinic accused of distributing performance-enhancing drugs.

“I think that’s behind us now. I’ve shut everything down,” Rodriguez said. “I want everything to be 100 percent on baseball and that’s what I want my guys to focus on.”

Rodriguez was not in the Yankees’ lineup Wednesday night,

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Yankees infielder Jayson Nix has broken his left hand, the result of being hit by a pitch from Toronto’s R.A. Dickey.

Nix was hit by a pitch from the knuckleballer in the second inning Wednesday night. He went to first base and stayed for one pitch before leaving. Mark Reynolds pinch ran.

Nix has filled in nicely for the Yankees through a season beset by injuries, including to All-Stars Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira.

He was making his 32nd start this season at third base and has started 41 times at shortstop.

TWINS: Minnesota recalled Chris Colabello from Triple-A Rochester to take Joe Mauer’s spot on the roster.

Mauer was placed on the seven-day concussion disabled list Tuesday, after experiencing dizziness during his pregame routine.

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Colabello hit .221 with four homers and eight RBI in his first 29 games this year with the Twins.

NATIONALS: Washington activated right-hander Ross Ohlendorf from the disabled list in time for him to start Wednesday night against the Cubs.

Ohlendorf (2-0), who had been on the disabled list since Aug. 1 because of shoulder inflammation, has been used primarily in long relief this season.

RANGERS: Texas signed veteran infielder Brendan Harris to a minor league contract and assigned him to Triple-A Round Rock.

Harris signed with the Rangers on Wednesday, after being released earlier in the day from his minor league deal with the New York Yankees.

He will not be on Texas’ 40-man roster.

 


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