A scary moment occurred in what should have been a routine pop-up out in Tuesday’s game between the Houston Astros and the Cleveland Indians. Indians catcher Yan Gomes hit a pop-up into shallow right-field during the 8th inning. Second baseman Jose Altuve and right fielder Teoscar Hernandez collided while attempting to make the play. The collision knocked both players out of the game. Altuve was able to leave under his own power with a left shoulder injury. Medical staff carted Hernandez off the field with what appears to be a left knee contusion.
Horrific Collision Between Jose Altuve and Teoscar Hernandez
Potential Fall-out from the Collision
Altuve’s season started out with a bang, with a slash of .324/.393/.459/.852, and a league leading seven stolen bases through 19 games. His defensive ability at second base is great, having 32 put outs and 44 assists this season in 76 chances. He has also been part of nine double plays. He led the American League in hits the last three seasons, and appeared in 161 games last year.
Hernandez had entered the game earlier as a defensive replacement for Carlos Beltran. The Astros recalled him from Triple-A Fresno Tuesday morning, to fill Jake Marisnick‘s roster spot. In 16 games at Fresno, Hernandez slashed .250/.358/.571/.930. Marisnick is currently on the 10-Day disabled list with a slight concussion. If Hernandez is out, the next logical promotion is Fresno center fielder Andrew Aplin. If Houston promotes Aplin, it will be his first time in the majors.
Fox 26 Sports reporter Mark Berman tweeted:
AJ Hinch said Teoscar Hernandez has a left knee contusion. Will be evaluated.Jose Altuve shaken up, left shoulder banged up but appears okay
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) April 26, 2017
The Astros went on to win the game, but the potential loss of Hernandez hurts an already depleted outfield, with injured George Springer (hamstring) being pressed into service to finish the game following Hernandez’s exit.
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