All articles tagged with #hit by pitch
Shohei Ohtani pitched for the Dodgers but did not bat, sidelined from the designated-hitter spot by a sore shoulder sustained from a hit-by-pitch, marking the first time he hasn’t served as DH since 2021.
Guardians' David Fry was injured after being hit in the face by a pitch while bunting during a game against the Tigers, leading to his removal from the field and assessment at a medical center. The incident occurred during a close game that impacted the AL Central standings.
Houston Astros pitcher Framber Valdez apologized after unintentionally hitting catcher Cesar Salazar with a pitch, claiming it was a cross-up and not deliberate, and the two players have since resolved the issue.
Eugenio Suarez was hit on the hand with a fastball and had to leave the game, but X-rays were negative, which is a positive sign. The incident may impact trade negotiations as teams want to see him healthy before making a move. Suarez's injury adds uncertainty to the trade deadline dynamics for the Arizona Diamondbacks and potential suitors.
Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton was hit by a pitch and exited the game, but x-rays showed no fracture; he remains day-to-day with soreness.
The Padres and Dodgers had a heated game with multiple hit-by-pitch incidents, notably Fernando Tatis Jr. being hit multiple times, leading to bench-clearing and tensions. Tatis was injured but scans were inconclusive, and both teams expressed differing views on whether the pitches were intentional. The game also featured Ryan Bergert's strong pitching performance and Xander Bogaerts' offensive resurgence. Suspensions are expected as MLB reviews the incidents.
Tensions between the Padres and Dodgers escalated when Fernando Tatis Jr. was hit by a pitch, leading to benches clearing and ejections, with Manny Machado warning the Dodgers to hope Tatis' hand injury isn't serious after a series marked by aggressive pitches and heated exchanges.
Sacramento State outfielder Matt Masciangelo was hit by a pitch seven times in a doubleheader against Loyola Marymount during the opening day of the 2024 NCAA Division I college baseball season. Masciangelo, who transferred from Cal State Bakersfield, found himself consistently reaching first base without swinging the bat, attributing the unusual streak to fate and the pitchers' game plan. Despite the absurdity of the situation, Masciangelo maintained a positive attitude and helped his team's chances of scoring runs.
Sacramento State's junior outfielder Matt Masciangelo was hit by a pitch seven times in eight plate appearances during his debut with the baseball team, earning an RBI with one of the hit-by-pitches. Despite the unusual and painful experience, Masciangelo maintained a sense of humor about the situation and attributed it to the unpredictability of baseball, stating that he did not believe he was being intentionally targeted at the plate.
Sacramento State outfielder Matt Masciangelo was hit by a pitch seven times in a doubleheader against Loyola Marymount, setting a program record and coming close to breaking the MLB record for most hit-by-pitches in a game. Despite the unusual circumstances, Masciangelo maintained a positive attitude and focused on helping his team win. He transferred to Sacramento State after playing at community colleges and Cal State Bakersfield, and will continue the series against Loyola Marymount.
Sacramento State outfielder Matt Masciangelo was hit by a pitch seven times in a doubleheader against Loyola Marymount, laughing at the absurdity of the situation and attributing it to the strategic nature of baseball. Despite the soreness, he maintained a positive attitude and focused on helping his team win games, with Loyola Marymount ultimately winning both games.
New York Mets' Pete Alonso was hit by a pitch near the back of his head, prompting a benches-clearing incident during their game against the Los Angeles Angels. Alonso, who has been hit near the head multiple times in recent years, passed concussion protocol and could return to the lineup soon. The Mets lead the National League in hit batsmen, with Alonso at the forefront with 17 HBPs this season. While the Mets don't believe the pitch was intentional, they are frustrated by the frequent plunkings and are eager to find a solution.
Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies outfielder, left Saturday's game against the Marlins after being hit in his surgically-repaired right elbow by a pitch. Harper was in pain but remained in the game to run the bases before being replaced in the fifth inning. X-rays were negative, but it is unclear if he will play in the next game. The incident is reminiscent of a previous injury that sidelined Harper for two months last year. The Phillies hope that this latest incident does not impact their plans to have Harper return as a first baseman after the All-Star break.
The New York Mets completed a three-game sweep of the Arizona Diamondbacks, but not without some drama. In the seventh inning, Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez was hit by a pitch, leading to a bench-clearing incident. Alvarez walked to first base while the home plate umpire intervened to prevent any escalation. Both teams were given a warning, and Alvarez later revealed that the pitcher apologized for the incident. Despite the incident, the Mets do not believe it was intentional, and Alvarez remains unfazed, stating that he is ready for any reaction from opposing teams.
Some baseball players, such as Pete Alonso, Mark Canha, and Anthony Rizzo, use getting hit by pitches as a strategy to increase their on-base percentage. While it can be a useful tool, it also comes with the risk of injury. Players who use this strategy have learned to suppress their startle reflex and anticipate where the pitch might hit them to protect sensitive areas. Despite the danger, some players, like Tim Locastro, consider getting hit by pitches a skill that fits their skill set and offensive strategy.