For the second time in his career, Chipper Jones’ left ACL has turned uncooperative and will force another season-ending injury, according to the team. Jones hurt his left knee on Tuesday after diving to snag a shot down the third base foul line. The Braves third baseman got the out but left the game after writhing on the ground. An MRI Thursday showed that the knee ligament was torn,” according to the team, though a report from the AJC said it was “stretched.” Jones will now undergo surgery to repair the knee, though no timetable has been set according to the team. Jones is scheduled to address the media Friday.
Rumors swirled earlier this year that Jones may choose to retire at the end of the 2010 season, despite several years left on an extension he signed last year. Jones momentarily squashed the rumors and then started mashing the ball to the tune of .307 with seven home runs and a .907 OPS in the last 44 games. For the season, Jones hit .265 with an OBP of .381 while slugging .426. If Jones is finished for the year, he’ll finish with 10 home runs and 46 RBI in just 95 games. The totals would all be some of the lowest of his career. In 2005, he appeared in just 109 games but still managed 21 home runs. Last season he hit one point lower on his batting average while in 2004 he bottomed out at .248. In 2005 he managed just 72 RBI while last year he drove in 71.
The injury was the latest in a string of injuries for the Braves. All-star Martin Prado was already on the DL when Jones suffered the injury in Houston. Prado is scheduled to take batting practice in the next few days and will be eligible to come off of the DL Monday. Another all-star Jason Heyward was already on the bench with his own knee issues when Jones left Tuesday’s game. Heyward missed action Tuesday and Wednesday due to a sore right knee he tweaked trying to make a play in Monday’s loss.
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