these are the times

Paul Maholm, the ex-Mississippi State standout, will return to the mound for Atlanta today in a game that has suddenly taken on a lot more significance. It’s not just a test of Maholm’s left wrist, which sidelined him for about a month. It’s not just an opportunity for the veteran lefty (9-9 with a 4.41 ERA) to make his case for a fulltime spot in the rotation. It’s not just the series opener in a potential playoff preview against National League Central power St. Louis. It’s not even because it’s the MLB Network Showcase Game for tonight. Nope, more than all that, it’ll be the Braves’ first game SINCE. Since, of course, Jason Heyward’s frightening injury. Hit in the face by a pitch on Wednesday, the former Mississippi Braves star has a broken jaw that might force him to miss the rest of the regular season. The Braves have had a plethora of injuries and ailments this year, but this one kinda feels different. Heyward wasn’t having a great year overall — .253, 13 home runs, 37 RBIs — but since he moved to the leadoff spot at the end of July, he has batted .345, slugged .586 and led the Braves on a 19-4 splurge. Their NL East lead is a safe 15 games. But will the loss of Heyward, and the way it happened, send them into a funk? These are the times that try men’s souls – or at least their plate discipline. Heyward’s absence will mean more at-bats for ex-M-Braves such as Jordan Schafer, Evan Gattis and Joey Terdoslavich. Can they answer the call? Many will be looking for signs of a hangover tonight at Busch Stadium. A strong start from Maholm, who was scuffling before his injury, would certainly be a boost to morale.