Elvis Andrus Elbow Injury Reportedly Diagnosed as Fracture

Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus left Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Angels after he was hit by a pitch on the right arm. 

According to MLB.com's TR Sullivan, initial X-rays showed Andrus suffered a fractured right elbow. 

Andrus, 29, is coming off an excellent season after hitting .297 with 20 home runs, 88 RBI, 100 runs and 25 stolen bases in 2016. He was once again a key cog for the Rangers as they reached the postseason. The homers, RBI and runs were all career highs.

Entering Wednesday, Andrus was hitting .347 with two home runs and five RBI this season. 

Injuries are rare for Andrus, who has never played fewer than 145 games in a season since his debut in 2009 and has played in at least 156 games in five of the past six seasons.

The Rangers have backup options at the position, however, with Jurickson Profar and Isiah Kiner-Falefa capable of taking over as the everyday shortstop in his absence.

Nonetheless, losing Andrus' speed on the basepaths—he's swiped at least 21 or more bases in every season—and his proficiency in the field will hurt. Andrus isn't an elite shortstop, but his ability to put the ball in play, wreak havoc on the basepaths and field his position makes him valuable to the Rangers.