ATLANTA — Jason Heyward missed his fourth straight start with inflammation in his right shoulder Saturday but entered the game in the ninth inning as a defensive replacement.

Meanwhile, right-hander Brandon Beachy was examined by a team doctor for an oblique injury he sustained Friday night. The rookie starter will be placed on the disabled list Sunday, when the team recalls reliever Scott Proctor from Triple-A Gwinnett.

Heyward said before the Braves' game against Philadelphia that he won't start "until it feels better for sure." He appeared as a pinch-runner Friday night.

Heyward said he may not be ready to start Sunday, as he hoped after having shots in the shoulder on Thursday to ease the inflammation.

"I don't think anyone is going to rush me," he said.

Manager Fredi Gonzalez said Heyward told him he was ready to play as a defensive replacement on Saturday but was not yet ready to hit. Heyward said he felt better on Saturday and hopes to throw before Sunday's game "to keep my arm in shape."

Beachy faces a potentially lengthy stay on the disabled list.

"I wish I woke up this morning and it felt better," Beachy said. "Unfortunately, it's not."