While the Dodgers picked up season win number 104 on Friday night in San Francisco — tying a Los Angeles record — there was an injury scare during the game.
Left fielder AJ Pollock was drilled in the shin by an 87mph bean ball in the 5th inning. After an injury delay, he was replaced by pinch runner Chris Taylor and went for x-rays.
AJ Pollock coming out of the game after being hit by 87 mph pitch on the left shin. Headed back to the clubhouse with trainers.
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) September 28, 2019
Of course, hearing “x-rays” and “AJ Pollock” in the same sentence sends shivers down the spine of Dodgers Nation.
AJ Pollock. Now THAT’S a man with a brand. pic.twitter.com/FvA4OVSO31
— Jeff J. Snider (@snidog) September 28, 2019
Fortunately x-rays came back negative, and Pollock was in good spirits by the end of the game. He said that after about 30 minutes, the pain finally started going away and a collective sigh of relief came over the fan base.
Now on Saturday, manager Dave Roberts spoke on the status of Pollock.
Dave Roberts with an update on AJ Pollock and @redturn2. pic.twitter.com/oXXocLyiA9
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) September 28, 2019
AJ was in good spirits this morning — he’ll be available to pinch hit… gonna move around a little bit. After the x-rays came back negative, I think there was a lot of relief. As it stands now I expect him to be in there tomorrow.
Thankfully Roberts confirmed that no further testing would be required for the outfielder.
Pollock has had a successful, if unspectacular 1 season in Dodger blue. He’s batting .265 with 15 home runs and 47 RBI in the first year of his 4-year deal signed this past off-season. While he’s experienced a few other setbacks (including elbow surgery and lower body issues), and had to be moved from center field to left, Pollock has also been a key offensive contributor in the second half of the season.
Since returning to the lineup after the All-Star break, the veteran is triple slashing .286/.347/.537 with 13 of his 15 homers, and 33 of his 47 RBI.