Braves’ Freddie Freeman out 10 weeks with broken wrist

Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman will miss about ten weeks with a broken wrist, according to a team announcement. Freeman will not require surgery and will be in a cast for four weeks.

Freeman, 27, was hit in the wrist with a 94 mph fastball from Aaron Loup during Atlanta’s game against the Blue Jays on Wednesday night. Though initial tests were inconclusive, many with the Braves feared that the wrist was in fact broken and that the team’s top player would miss significant time.

Freeman has been stellar for the Braves this season, hitting .341/.461/.748 with 14 homers despite the team’s 16-21 start. His absence is likely to cause the Braves to continue their downward spiral, potentially leading to the team deciding to sell at the July non-waiver trade deadline.

Atlanta may go with internal options Rio Ruiz and Jace Peterson to replace Freeman in the short-term, though neither player is primarily a first baseman. After releasing Ryan Howard due to his dismal performance at Triple-A Gwinnett, the Braves are reportedly already discussing outside additions to fill the gap. Though a trade appears to be more likely at present, there are a couple free-agent first basemen still available, like James Loney, Ben Paulsen and Justin Morneau.