After hitting an RBI triple in his first at-bat of his second rehab game with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes on Wednesday night, Dodgers outfielder Carl Crawford was hit by a pitch in his second at-bat forcing him to exit the game in the third inning.
The pitch, a 94-MPH fastball thrown by High Desert Mavericks right-hander Connor Sadzeck, hit Crawford on the instep of his left (back) foot causing a loud thwack heard throughout LoanMart Field. It also caused him to immediately drop to the ground in obvious pain.
Escorted by Dodgers assistant athletic trainer Nancy Patterson, Crawford was able to walk off the field under his own power. Upon reaching the dugout, he immediately removed his shoe and began rubbing his foot. He then returned to the clubhouse with Patterson and other members of the Dodgers training staff and was unavailable for comment.
While the extent of Crawford’s injury isn’t immediately known, it did not appear to be too serious – pain notwithstanding. It could, however, alter the rehab plans for the 33-year-old Houston, TX native.
Crawford, who has been the designated hitter in his first two rehab games with the Quakes, was scheduled to play left field on Thursday night and then travel to Oklahoma City to complete his rehab assignment with the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers. How he feels on Thursday morning will determine if those plans have changed or not.
It looks like we can’t keep this guy away from the DL.