On 1st day back with D-backs, Waldschmidt exits with thumb contusion
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LOS ANGELES -- Ryan Waldschmidt's first game back in the Majors came to an abrupt and premature end.
The Diamondbacks’ No. 1 prospect left in the sixth inning of Friday night’s game against the Dodgers after getting hit on the right hand by a 99.6 mph sinker from right-hander Edgardo Henriquez while squaring around to bunt.
Postgame X-rays were negative, and Waldschmidt is day to day with a right thumb contusion. His thumb was wrapped and taped in the clubhouse after the game.
“Hopefully, wake up tomorrow and swelling goes down and be able to move it and have some mobility,” Waldschmidt said. “I feel pretty good with mobility, and obviously it's not super painful right now. So hoping just to see some growth tomorrow morning in the right direction.”
Waldschmidt immediately dropped the bat and gripped his right hand in pain after the pitch. The right-handed hitter had his top hand wrapped around the bat toward the barrel, leaving his fingers exposed and facing Henriquez.
He was quickly examined by assistant athletic trainer Max Esposito and escorted off the field. To add insult to injury, home plate umpire Austin Jones ruled Waldschmidt offered at the pitch and charged him with a strike.
Jorge Barrosa pinch-hit for Waldschmidt laid down a bunt on the very next pitch, reaching on a throwing error by third baseman Tommy Edman.
Waldschmidt was recalled from Triple-A Reno earlier in the day after first baseman Pavin Smith was designated for assignment. The 23-year-old outfielder hit .259 in 33 games during his first stint with the D-backs and was back for what expected to be an extended run of playing time with Arizona searching for an offensive boost.
“Honestly, I feel pretty good,” Waldschmidt said. “I'm hoping tomorrow morning, get some more good news, and then hopefully swelling will be down and [I’ll] be back in there as soon as possible.”
He started in center field and hit eighth for the D-backs. He struck out in his first two at-bats before leaving with his injury.