Chipper Jones Likely Out For Season

By: Stephen Patterson

The Atlanta Braves will have to make their late season run for the postseason without Chipper Jones, who learned earlier today that he tore his ACL in his left knee in Tuesday night's game against Houston. Jones and the team appeared optimistic about the knee yesterday, but MRI results today appear to have killed any optimism between the two parties. If Jones has surgery to repair the ligament, which it is expected he will undergo the procedure, it would likely mean the end of his season, and potentially his career. 

Earlier this season, Jones said he would contemplate retirement after beginning the year struggling as he did in 2009. It's hard to imagine one of the greatest players in Braves' history going out on such a painful note. But even if Jones wants to come back and play another season, it will be extremely difficult for him to come back from a second major knee injury so late in his career. At 38, it is hard to imagine he would be able to return to his previous form, or anywhere near it, if he were to attempt to return next season.

There is no timetable on the amount of time it would take for Jones to heal if he undergoes surgery, as doctors don't want to make an assumption until they start the procedure and see how bad the damage is. Usually, in the best case scenarios, people heal from the surgery in about six months, which would mean Chipper's season would certainly be over, regardless of his teams' success in the postseason.

The Braves currently hold a 2 1/2 game lead over the Phillies for the AL East division crown, but they will need to find a replacement for Jones offensively and defensively if they want to hold that lead. While many people have been impressed with Brooks Conrad, who will take over for Jones for the immediate future, he has never been asked to play such a large role for the team. I expect the team will attempt to make a move through waivers to replace some of the production the former six-time All-Star provided for the Braves this season. If they can't make a move and Conrad struggles, expect the defending NL champs to make a serious run at stealing the division back from Atlanta.