During Sunday night’s 3-2 victory for San Diego, Padres designated hitter Luis Arraez was taken off the field following a frightening collision with Houston Astros second baseman Mauricio Dubon. After being transported to a hospital following the game, Arraez made his way back to the stadium.
Following the game, San Diego manager Mike Shildt described the circumstances as the “best case scenario with Luis.”
“Shildt said.” “We believe he’s mostly out of the woods. Initial testing is quite positive, but only time will tell. Not a single fracture. We are concerned about his jaw because he sustained a little cut on the jawline. His cervical area is our concern. During the first testing, everything was steady and transparent.
“We’ve been burned before on testing, so we will be cautiously optimistic,” he stated. “There was a time when he didn’t know where he was, which is obviously worrisome. We are obviously not out of the woods, even though his initial concussion testing was positive and everything is now coming back to him. That is a blessing in the grand scheme of things.
Arraez attempted to beat out the throw to first base after laying down a drag bunt in the top of the first inning. As Dubon approached to cover the bag and was collecting the throw from Christian Walker, the first baseman, he unintentionally collided with Arraez, who seemed to strike Dubon’s elbow or arm with his face.
As trainers, Arraez laid motionless in foul area adjacent to first base after both players were struck by the ball.
“It was scary,” said Dubon. “I mean, just seeing his inaction. It was horrible. People in particular are aware of the kind of player I am. I’m not some sort of filthy gamer. So, it’s awful. The worst thing about it is that you receive death threats from everything from this to that. Thus, the journey home will be enjoyable.
Arraez was put on a backboard and carried out of the stadium while Dubon, Walker, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Manny Machado stood by. Arraez wrapped Shildt in his arm as he was loaded onto the wagon.
“It was a sad moment, especially getting close to him and seeing him on the ground like that, you definitely get scared,” Tatis, who ultimately hit the game-winning home run, said. “You nearly cry, but you’re holding it together. You immediately begin praying for him as soon as you seat down next to him. I’m glad he’s already back with us. He’s just thrilled that he’s getting up. It’s a depressing aspect of the game, but things do happen. Just glad he’s okay.”
Tatis claimed to have heard the collision when he was sprinting to second on the play.
“As soon as they called timeout, I went to see my boy and see what was going on,” he stated.
