Seattle Mariner pitcher Felix Hernandez was pulled in the fourth inning in his last start after spraining his ankle.
Hernandez was covering home plate after a wild pitch. He blocked the plate with his left ankle, and it rolled when Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran slid in cleats up. Hernandez attempted to finish the inning, but was simply in too much pain. Hernandez left the game one strike from being eligible to pick up the win.
At the time of his departure, the M's were leading 4-1, with all four runs coming from a grand slam from Hernandez himself. It was his first career hit, and the first home run from a pitcher in Mariners history.
Despite the nature of the injury, the play did not appear dirty. Beltran also called the visitors clubhouse to check up on King Felix after the game.
In interviews, Hernandez promises to make his next start. Manager Jim Riggleman seemed hopeful as well. However, he would not promise that Felix would make his next start. Instead, he hinted that there is almost no chance of Hernandez landing on the disabled list.
Riggleman and Hernandez can speak with such optimism as X-rays taken at the hospital after the game were negative (no break, so a positive outcome for Hernandez).
No matter the amount of time Felix misses, it is another tough break in a forgettable season for Seattle.
comments (0) write a comment »
write a new comment
This article has no comments.