Skip to content

Polanco exits after face-first slam into outfield wall

Christopher Horner / Twitter

One night after Starling Marte re-injured his back, the Pittsburgh Pirates lost another outfielder to injury, as Gregory Polanco exited Friday's game in the first inning after crashing into the left-field wall at PNC Park while tracking a fly ball.

Making just his 22nd start of the year in left, Polanco slammed face-first into the wall trying to make a play on Bryce Harper's two-out drive, prompting a visit from manager Clint Hurdle and a trainer when he was slow to get up. Though it appeared Polanco tried to talk his way into staying in the game, he was ultimately removed, with Adam Frazier moving to left from second base and Alen Hanson coming off the bench to take over at second.

Shortly thereafter, the club announced Polanco is being treated and evaluated for a left facial contusion.

Polanco, who turned 25 earlier this month, has enjoyed the finest season of his young career in 2016, setting new personal bests in batting average (.260), on-base percentage (.324), slugging percentage (.472), and home runs (22) through 139 games heading into Friday's series opener.

(Video courtesy: MLB.com)

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox