Stephen Piscotty Suffers Head Injury After Being Hit 3 Times in 1 Inning vs Cubs

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Stephen Piscotty suffered a head contusion during Tuesday's game against the Chicago Cubs and was removed from the game, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today. 

Piscotty reached base on a hit by pitch, was hit in the elbow by a throw when stealing second base and was hit in the head by Javier Baez's throw home as he scored. 

“The trainers asked him a lot of questions,’’ Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said, per Nightengale. “He answered all of them fine. Just rung his bell. He was coherent. We won’t jump into any conclusions, but he seems fine.’’

Nightengale added Piscotty will undergo another round of concussion tests on Wednesday. 

It would be a significant blow for the Cardinals if Piscotty misses extensive time. He is coming off career-best power numbers in 2016. He drilled 22 home runs and added 85 RBI, which was a jump from his seven homers and 39 RBI in 63 games as a rookie in 2015.

The 26-year-old is one of the rising stars of the organization, but the Cardinals will have to look elsewhere if he misses any action.

One option is Jose Martinez, who can play either of the corner outfield spots. Matt Adams played left Tuesday after Piscotty left the contest.

While Adams and Martinez give St. Louis options, it still needs Piscotty back if it is going to fulfill its potential as a dangerous playoff contender in the loaded National League Central that also features the defending World Series champion Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates.