Braves outfielder Jason Heyward was expected to miss the remainder of the regular season after he took a pitch to the jaw from Mets pitcher Jon Niese on Aug. 21.
It resulted in Heyward fracturing his jaw in two places and requiring surgery. But MLB.com's Mark Bowman reported Heyward, who started to thrive in his new role as the Braves' leadoff hitter before the injury, was deactivated from DL and will start in center field against the Cubs on Friday night.
Heyward provided the spark in midseason that helped propel Atlanta to the top of the NL East, and the Braves looked primed to take that division this season. He's also back in time to get his legs under him before the playoffs. Obviously an unfortunate injury, but this comeback is perfect timing for the squad.
