Atlanta Braves' veteran 3rd baseman Chipper Jones has a torn ligament in his left knee, which will require season-ending surgery.

The team says the diagnosis came following an MRI test in Atlanta Thursday, confirming the torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). No timeframe for the surgery has been set. Estimated recovery time typical for this injury is about six months.

The injury happened Tuesday night in Houston, when Jones landed badly on his left leg after making a fielding play at 3rd base.

This will represent the second major left knee procedure for Jones in his career. Back in 1994 as a rookie, Jones had surgery on the same knee, costing him that season.

The 38-year-old Jones hinted at retirement earlier this year when he was mired in a batting slump. But he'd had a resurgence at the plate recently to improve his average to .265 with 10 home runs and 46 RBI's this season.

Tags: injury, Atlanta Braves, baseball, sports, Edgar Treiguts, Chipper Jones, left knee injury