The Los Angeles Dodgers were cruising with a 6-0 lead over the Tampa Bay Rays in the seventh inning when Clayton Kershaw gave up a single and a double.
At 96 pitches, that marked the end of his night and reliever Pedro Baez was tasked with getting out of the jam and holding onto the lead.
Baez’s outing, unfortunately, did not last long though. Rays shortstop Willy Adames hit a 1-3 MPH line drive that hit right off Baez’s knee to bring home a run. Baez was in obvious pain and after being looked at by team trainers, he was carried back to the clubhouse for further testing.
The Dodgers gave an update on Baez, and he is dealing with a right upper leg contusion, per Jorge Castillo of the L.A. Times:
The Dodgers say Pedro Báez left the game with “a right upper leg contusion.”
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) May 22, 2019
Baez underwent X-rays after the game and they came back negative:
X-rays negative on Pedro Baez’s knee were negative, Dave Roberts said.
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) May 22, 2019
Even though X-rays were negative, it is unknown how serious Baez’s injury is and if he will require a stint on this injured list, but this is obviously a tough break for him and the Dodgers as he has been one of their best relievers this season.
In 21 games going into Tuesday night, Baez had pitched to a 2.95 ERA, 2.48 FIP and 0.80 WHIP while striking out 22 and walking just four in 21.1 innings. While those stats do not seem dominant, Baez has been tasked with pitching in some of the highest-leverage situations for the Dodgers and has largely succeeded.
If Baez is forced to go on the injured list then the team would need to call up another reliever to take his spot on the active roster for Wednesday night’s game against the Rays.
