Injury update: The status of Giancarlo Stanton
Giancarlo Stanton, the leader in the race for the National League MVP was injured Thursday night. He was hit in the face with a 88-mph fastball by Milwaukee Brewers starter Mike Fiers in the fifth inning.
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Brewers pitcher Mike Fiers was visibly shaken after Stanton lay on the ground for several minutes. He was conscious but bleeding profusely. Oddly enough, the umpire ruled that the Stanton had swung and the pitch was a strike.
Friers then went on to hit the next batter, Reed Johnson, who came in to finish Stanton’s at-bat and then the benches cleared. Fiers was issued a fine not for hitting Stanton but for causing the benches clearing brawl.
It understandable that the benches cleared but Fiers obviously didn’t hit either batter on purpose and was also understandably upset that he had injured Stanton. He issued an apology later both via Twitter and to the press his voice cracking as he said,
"“I just want to send my thoughts and prayers to Giancarlo Stanton. You never think of throwing at somebody like that. Never in my life has that happened. I just feel very, very sad that I hit him. I’m sorry to [his] teammates, their fans, his family. It’s just tough.”"
Stanton suffered multiple face fractures and damage to his teeth as well as facial lacerations. This morning Stanton was able to send a tweet thanking everyone and letting the world know he was alright under the circumstances.
The amount of support I have received from you guys has been tremendous & Heartfelt. I'm much better today & deeply appreciate your prayers!
— Giancarlo Stanton (@Giancarlo818) September 12, 2014
Today though the Marlins released a statement saying that they are hopeful Stanton will not require surgery and that he should be able to head back to Miami Friday after staying the night in a Milwaukee hospital.
“We anticipate Giancarlo will be discharged from the hospital [Friday] and return to Miami for further evaluation.”
According to Jim Hoehn of MLB.com Stanton’s teammates and Miami Marlins’ manager Mike Redmond did not believe he would be able to return anytime soon, probably not at all this season, dashing any hope the Marlins may have had of stealing a wild card spot at the last minute.
It could also hurt Stanton’s chances of being named the N.L. MVP. He has played in all 145 of the Marlins games this season and his goal had been to play in all 162 games.
Although that streak has now come to an end with the beginning of the Marlins’ Friday night game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Stanton does still have a chance to be named MVP, he may avoid surgery and he’s still alive. For that we are all grateful.