X-rays negative for Hosmer after HBP exit

May 29th, 2021

Padres manager Jayce Tingler said that his team “dodged a bullet” after first baseman Eric Hosmer exited Friday's game against the Astros in the second inning of San Diego’s 10-3 victory in 11 innings.

Hosmer was hit by a pitch on the right arm, just above his elbow. Though Hosmer sustained some significant swelling according to Tingler, X-rays on his right arm came back negative and he will be re-evaluated ahead of Saturday’s game in Houston.

“When I was talking to him later in the game, he was starting to move his fingers and starting to get some of the strength back and things like that,” Tingler said. “So dodged a bullet there, and we’ll wait and see how he feels in the morning.”

Hosmer remained in the game and ran the bases, but when the Padres took the field for the bottom half of the second inning, he was replaced in the lineup by Jorge Mateo, who took over in center field. Jurickson Profar slid from center to first base.

Hosmer has been one of the Padres' most important contributors this season with a .293/.354/.427 slash line and, notably, a 1.054 OPS with men in scoring position. Hitting fifth in the lineup, he’s provided very serviceable protection for Fernando Tatis Jr.

The Padres are already without center fielder Trent Grisham, on the injured list with a left heel bruise, but Manny Machado (left shoulder inflammation) made his return to the lineup Friday night.