San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. exited Friday’s game against host Pittsburgh after being hit by a pitch from Pirates right-hander Mitch Keller.
Tatis Jr. was hit on the left forearm by a 93-mph sinker from Keller with two outs in the top of the third inning. Tatis was attended to by the Padres’ team trainer and a visible welt formed on his forearm just after he was hit.
“We’re not sure yet, but we’re hoping for the best,” Padres manager Mike Shildt said during an in-game interview on the Apple TV broadcast. “He’s a big part of what we do and we hope he’s ok.”
Oscar Gonzalez entered the game to pinch run for Tatis Jr. and took over his spot in right field in the bottom of the third.
Tatis is batting .345 with eight homers and 18 RBIs in 30 games this season.
Keller was involved in another scary moment earlier this season when he hit the Washington Nationals’ Paul DeJong in the face with a pitch on April 15. DeJong since underwent sinus, orbital plate and nose surgery, and is expected to remain on the injured list for some time.
