Phillies RF Michael Saunders Takes Pitch to the Hand
Phillies outfielder and star free agent leaves a game after being hit by a pitch
Michael Saunders signed with the Phillies this offseason after garnering very little attention as a free agent. Much of the concern surrounding Saunders related to his inability to stay healthy, which dismantled his early professional career in Seattle and Toronto.
With the hopes of trading him for prospects by the trade deadline, the Phillies took a chance on Saunders by offering him a one-year deal with a team option attached.
Concern surrounding Saunders health took another hit after the outfielder left Friday’s game against the Yankees in the fifth inning.
New York veteran C.C. Sabathia hit Saunders in the right hand with a pitch that forced the slugger to leave the ball game. Aaron Altherr replaced the 30-year-old outfielder on the base pads, and remained in the game as the right fielder.
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Saunders will likely undergo x-ray’s on his right hand to determine if a stint on the disabled list to begin his 2017 season is needed.
Early in the spring, first baseman Tommy Joseph experienced a similar injury after being hit in the hand, but luckily only suffered a contusion. Hopefully, the diagnosis for Saunders will be identical.
Saunders struggled in his 45 at-bats for the Phils, managing just nine hits and two extra-base hits. He managed a hit and scored a run in the second inning against the Yankees before being pulled in the fifth.
The Canadian native was originally slated to play in the World Baseball Classic, but ultimately decided to remain in Clearwater to become better acclimated with his new organization.