Major League Baseball

Heyward misses fourth straight start

Published May. 14, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

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Jason Heyward missed his fourth straight start with inflammation in his right shoulder Saturday and said he won't rush his return to the Braves' lineup.

Meanwhile, right-hander Brandon Beachy was examined by a team doctor for an oblique injury he sustained Friday night. The rookie starter likely will be placed on the disabled list.

Heyward said before the Braves' game against Philadelphia that he won't start ''until it feels better for sure.'' He appeared as a pinch-runner Friday night.

Heyward said he may not be ready to start Sunday, as he hoped after having shots in the shoulder on Thursday to ease the inflammation.

''I don't think anyone is going to rush me,'' he said.

Heyward said he felt better on Saturday and hopes to throw before Sunday's game ''to keep my arm in shape.''

Heyward, who throws left-handed, said he may have someone catch the return throws for him, an indication he still lacks confidence in his right shoulder.

The Braves plan to call up right-hander Scott Proctor, a reliever, from Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday. Beachy could be placed on the disabled list to make room for Proctor.

''I wish I woke up this morning and it felt better,'' Beachy said Saturday. ''Unfortunately, it's not.

''Yeah, it's tough. However long this keeps me out ... it's going to be a mental battle as well as physical.''

Another Gwinnett pitcher — probably left-hander Mike Minor or one of two right-handers, Rodrigo Lopez and Julio Teheran — likely will replace Beachy in the rotation.