Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Mets provided an update on outfielder Kevin Pillar’s status on Tuesday morning following his scary hit by pitch in the top of the seventh of Monday night’s series opening 3-1 win over the Braves.
The team announced that Pillar suffered multiple nasal fractures from the hit by pitch, and he will be meeting with a facial specialist in Atlanta to determine the next steps.
With the bases loaded and two outs, Pillar stepped in against Braves right-hander Jacob Webb. The righty worked the count to 2-2, and then took a 94 MPH offering from Webb square to the face. Pillar went to the ground, and stayed down for a moment with lots of blood gushing from his face.
He quickly returned to his feet, and walked off the field under his own power alongside head athletic trainer Brian Chicklo.
Postgame, Mets manger Luis Rojas called the hit by pitch an extremely scary moment saying, “our prayers are with KP. Everyone here feels for him and his family, who probably watched that at home.. Just being there and watching the whole scene was really tough.”
Pillar was in good spirits following the win however, as he tweeted, “Thanks to everyone that has reached out! Scary moment but I’m doing fine! #RBI #gamewinner.”
In some positive news on the injury-front, J.D. Davis will begin his rehab assignment tonight with the Syracuse Mets, batting second and playing third base.
The right-handed hitting slugger was one of the Mets’ hottest hitters prior to landing on the injured list with a left hand sprain. Over 41 at-bat’s, Davis was hitting a scorching .390 with a 1.089 OPS, two homers, three doubles, and seven runs batted in.
This is very good news, as with Pillar seemingly joining the long list of Mets on the IL, they desperately need to get some of their bats back healthy sooner rather than later.
