Atlanta Braves utility man Charlie Culberson suffered multiple fractures in his face when he was hit on the right cheekbone by a fastball on Saturday, the team announced Sunday.
He was hit by a Fernando Rodney pitch in the seventh inning against the Washington Nationals. Culberson had squared to bunt.
The Braves said Culberson has been given the go-ahead to travel from Washington to Atlanta to be examined by team doctors. The Braves did not estimate how much time he would miss.
Culberson, 30, has done a bit of everything for the Braves, from playing both infield and outfield to pinch-hitting. He has appeared in 108 games and is batting .259 with five home runs and 20 RBIs in 135 at-bats.
Atlanta won Saturday’s game to clinch a playoff berth.