Breaking: Jay Bruce Out 3-4 Weeks

Apr 26, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cincinnati Reds right fielder Jay Bruce (32) prepares for an at bat against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Cincinnati– Cincinnati Reds starting right fielder Jay Bruce will be out 3-4 weeks with a  partially torn meniscus tear in his left knee. He will have surgery this week to repair the injury.

Bruce was scratched from the starting lineup Sunday afternoon about an hour and a half before the first pitch with what the Reds were calling ‘left knee soreness’. Chris Heisey replaced Bruce in right for the Reds come from behind victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday.

The Reds certainly did not need another injury this season, Bruce now joins Mat Latos on the disabled list with meniscus tears. He also joins Tony Cingrani, Aroldis Chapman, and Devin Mesoraco on the DL. With Billy Hamilton missing games with a slight injury to his hand the Reds cannot afford another injury in the outfield.

Bruce has had a lackluster start to the season this year by his standards. The right fielder is currently hitting .218 on the season with three home runs and 14 RBIs this season. Bruce for all of his struggles in April generally turns it around in a big way in the month of May. That will not happen this season as the Reds do not expect to see Bruce until June.

Next question up is who will replace Bruce in right. Chris Heisey is the obvious choice, he will likely receive the majority of the playing time. Heisey is batting .254 this season with one home run and 6 RBIs on the season. Backing up Heisey now is the bigger question. Expect the Reds to call up Donald Lutz from Double A Pensacola. Lutz is having a great start to the season this year hitting .387 with 5 home runs. Not to mention Lutz has been up with the big club before as well.

The official word will come down from the Reds tomorrow as the travel to Boston to face the Red Sox Tuesday night at Fenway Park.