ATLANTA — Braves rookie Jason Heyward, in a 1-for-16 slump that has his batting average at its lowest point since the end of April, was limited to late-inning duty on Saturday and said he doesn't expect to play on Sunday.

Heyward has been bothered by a sore left thumb for more than a month and plans to see Braves team physician Dr. Gary Lourie on Monday.

"It hasn't gotten better in two months," Heyward said after Saturday's 4-3 win over Detroit.

Heyward entered the game in the eighth as a pinch-runner and remained in the game in right field. He did not have an at-bat.

Heyward was held out the starting lineup at Pittsburgh on May 23 due to the sore thumb, but he has since tried to play through the injury.

Heyward, the Braves' celebrated young outfielder, is hitting only .251 — his low mark since he was at .240 on April 30. He was 0 for 4 on Friday night and is hitting only .181 in June. He batted .337 in May.

Despite his slump, Heyward leads all rookies with 45 RBIs and is tied for first among rookies with 11 homers. He was the NL rookie of the month in April and May.

Melky Cabrera started for Heyward in right field. He was 0 for 4 with a walk and a run scored.