Jay Bruce injury: Reds slugger will undergo knee surgery, miss 3-4 weeks

Reds outfielder Jay Bruce is suffering from a torn meniscus in his left knee that requires surgery, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer's John Fay (confirmed by ESPN's Keith Law). ESPN's Jerry Crasnick confirmed that Bruce will undergo the operation.

Confirmed. "@johnfayman: Heard from a source that jay Bruce may need surgery. #reds"

— keithlaw (@keithlaw) May 5, 2014

Bruce, 27, is hitting .218/.355/.366 in 124 plate appearances this season. He started slow last season as well, so his problems at the plate might not be directly related to the knee soreness that has limited him over the team's last several games. However, the issue is severe enough to require surgery, so it may have been a substantial factor.

First-year manager Bryan Price said he would go with Chris Heisey in right field while Bruce is out. Heisey is hitting .255/.305/.345 in 60 plate appearances with one home run and four stolen bases.

With Bruce sidelined for three to four weeks, Heisey will need to step up to help the Reds catch the NL Central-leading Brewers.