Texas Rangers’ third baseman, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, hit a two-run single during a spring training game against the Cincinnati Reds on Monday. However, the celebration was short-lived after teammate Drew Smith was struck in the face by a pitch. The incident occurred during the bottom of the ninth inning, raising concerns about Smith’s wellbeing. The Rangers’ pitcher was immediately taken to the hospital for further evaluation, leaving fans hoping for the best.
In a recent game between the Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles, Texas outfielder Josh Smith suffered a devastating injury after being hit in the face by a pitch. Smith, a left-handed hitter, was struck on the right side of his face in the third inning by a 1-0 slider from Orioles’ reliever Danny Coulombo. As a result, Smith spun back to his left, falling to the ground in the batter’s box. He broke his fall with his left hand while holding his face with his right hand. The Rangers have since reported that Smith went to the hospital for further testing on his face and jaw.
This terrible incident occurred after Orioles starter Kyle Bradish left the game during the second inning after being hit on his right foot by a line drive. Bradish was diagnosed with a bruised foot.
During the game, with runners on first and second and one out, Jonah Heim hit a 2-2 changeup back to the mound, and the ball struck Bradish on the outside of his foot as he was completing his follow-through. The ball rolled to first baseman Ryan Mountcastle, who tagged the base with the runners moving up. Manager Brandon Hyde and a team trainer visited Bradish, who walked around the back of the mound. However, they ultimately pulled him from the game, and Coulombo came in to strike out Brad Miller and end the inning.
Injuries like these remind us of the dangerous nature of professional sports and the extent to which athletes put their bodies on the line to compete. It is important to prioritize players’ safety by not only following safety protocols but also implementing measures to prevent such accidents from occurring.
In conclusion, it was a scary moment for Texas Rangers’ Tyler Smith as he took a hit in the face with a pitch during a recent game. However, the young player’s resilient spirit will undoubtedly see him well on the road to recovery. The outpouring of support from fans, teammates, and the greater baseball community, is a testament to the strength of the baseball family. We extend our well wishes to Tyler, and hope to see him back on the field very soon. Stay tuned to Sportsnet.ca for further updates on Tyler’s condition, and all the latest news on the Texas Rangers.