Jason Heyward to miss remainder of regular season

After being struck by a pitch in the face Wednesday vs. the Mets, Jason Heyward has surgery to repair a broken jaw and will miss the rest of the season according to a report from Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.

#Braves’ Heyward will miss the rest of the regular season, per his agent, Victor Menocal. Availability for post-season to be determined.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 22, 2013

The Braves are in no rush to bring back Heyward, as they have a 15 game lead over the second place Washington Nationals in the NL East standings. The team is hoping that the right fielder will be ready for the playoffs.

Since overtaking the leadoff spot in the lineup, Heyward has been one of the hottest hitters in baseball. On the season, Heyward is hitting .252 with 13 home runs and 37 RBI. The team has already lost a lot of key players this season due to injury including starting pitcher Tim Hudson and relievers Eric O'Flaherty and Jonny Venters.

Outfielder BJ Upton will likely be a player that the team depends on to help replace the production of Heyward. Upton has had a dreadful season so far after he was signed to a massive five-year, $75.25M contract, hitting .183 with eight home runs and 21 RBI.

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