Mallex Smith out indefinitely after suffering broken thumb on HBP

The number of things the Braves faithful have to cheer about this season is quickly approaching a negative value.

According to a report by David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Braves outfielder Mallex Smith is out indefinitely with a broken left thumb. Smith suffered the injury when he was hit by a pitch from Mets reliever Antonio Bastardo in the seventh inning of Atlanta’s 6-0 victory on Sunday.

That lefty Bastardo hit Mallex with the pitch.

— David O'Brien (@DOBrienAJC) June 19, 2016

#Braves Mallex Smith has broken thumb from HBP

— David O'Brien (@DOBrienAJC) June 19, 2016

The rookie Smith, one of the key prospects acquired in the Justin Upton-to-San-Diego trade back in 2014, had been a rare bright spot for a 23-46 Braves team this year. Batting .241/.314/.386 with three home runs, 21 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases, Smith had been establishing himself as an exciting contact hitter/speedster outfielder in the mold of a Billy Hamilton or a Rajai Davis.

With Smith on the shelf, Atlanta may have to rely on the over-the-hill Jeff Francoeur for the lion’s share of the left field reps. Seeing as Hector Olivera is serving a suspension for a domestic violence incident and won’t be eligible to play until August either, it could be a long next few months down in Georgia.

Image Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

H/T Rotoworld