Chipper Jones Diagnosed with Bone Bruise

Chipper Jones remained in Atlanta’s lineup last night even after an MRI confirmed the 39-year-old is dealing with a bone bruise and fluid buildup in his ailing right knee.  Jones said that the injury will not sideline him, and that he will continue to suit up as long as the Braves have games to play.

Jones aggravated his right knee during Monday night’s game against the Phillies.  After undergoing X-rays later that night, Jones received an MRI exam yesterday morning.  The results revealed the bruise as well as continued fluid buildup in Jones’ knee.

His right knee has given him trouble all season, as Jones was forced to miss two weeks in July with a torn meniscus.

At this point, trainers are telling Jones that his knee won’t fully heal until the offseason.  Because a day or two off won’t do anything for him, Jones has decided to continue to play through the pain.  Atlanta may try and substitute for Jones late in games, but the third baseman will continue to start games for the Braves.

While the knee has been a problem for Jones over much of the season, he’s still managed to put up solid numbers in 2011.  On the year, Jones has hit at a clip of .278/.348/.476 with 18 home runs, 33 doubles and 69 RBI’s.

Atlanta might handle Jones a little differently if they had already secured their spot in the playoffs.  But, entering Wednesday’s regular season finale, Atlanta is tied for the National League wild-card lead with the St. Louis Cardinals.

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