Atlanta Braves’ Chipper Jones unfit – MLB News
Chipper Jones, who had only made a comeback after being relegated to the disabled-list once again fell a victim to injury on Tuesday, July 26. This time it was strained right quadriceps that took him off the field at a crucial time.
While he had made his presence known with an eighth inning homer, he was visibly not okay after he hurt himself in the sixth inning while fielding. The news is of course not a particularly pleasant one for the Atlanta Braves just when they needed the likes
of Jones in the team.
“We've got to reevaluate it tomorrow," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said of Jones' injury. "He said [before the eighth inning], 'I'm gonna need a runner.' I said, really? He said, 'Yeah, I'm gonna need a runner.' And then [Gonzalez makes popping sound with
mouth]. Home run."
Important to remember, Jones had only made his comeback after having remained unfit and reduced to the disabled-list. The duration lasted for 16 days and his return was thought to be harbinger of something better for the team.
However, although the injury does not apparently seem very serious with Jones showing the signs otherwise, there is no ruling out of a possibility that he might soon be replaced by Gonzalez. Previously, it was arthroscopic knee surgery that kept Jones away
from the MLB.
Now there are chances that muscle strain may end up sidelining this important player, something that the Atlanta Braves might not be able to afford. Hurting his leg again can prove to be costly not only for himself but also for the team.
The Atlanta Braves have certainly been a radically different team to come across this time round with the exceptionally good performances they have shown since the start of the MLB regular season in 2011.
Looking at the ranking, they stand sixth with 61 wins to their credit, being preceded only by the Texas Rangers and San Francisco Giants who are on fourth and fifth in the ranking. The Atlanta Braves only trail the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL standings
which has won 65 games so far.
Considering the ever improving performance of the Atlanta Braves, it becomes understandable why the injury of Chipper Jones may cost the team at this juncture. Having played 79 games this season, Jones has scored 36 runs which include nine home-runs and
47 RBIs.
With average standing at .261 and an OBP of .341, the injury that Jones has borne may not be a reassuring thing for the Atlanta Braves which certainly want a better prospect to confront the strong teams in the coming weeks. It will be interesting to see
what impact Jones’ injury will have on the Braves in their next match-up.
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