Smith’s season may be over with broken thumb

WASHINGTON — When Mallex Smith fractured his left thumb on June 18, the Braves were hopeful he might return in time to play during the final two weeks of this season. But manager Brian Snitker said there is now a strong possibility the rookie outfielder will not play for Atlanta again before next year.

Smith has not experienced any setbacks, but because the bone has healed slowly, the Braves have to face the reality that there might not be enough time to prepare to play big league games.

“The [bone] has to heal before you can start all that,” Snitker said. “It just hasn’t healed real fast.”

Smith’s left hand and wrist have been immobilized by a cast since his thumb was fractured by an Antonio Bastardo pitch nearly two months ago. Even if he is cleared to begin participating in baseball activities within the next couple of weeks, he will need an additional couple weeks to make necessary preparations and strengthen all of the muscles that have atrophied.

Complicating the situation is the fact that the Minor League season will end in …

continue reading in source mlb.mlb.com