New York Mets outfielder Kevin Pillar is somehow maintaining a remarkably positive perspective in the wake of a terrifying incident earlier this week when he was hit by a pitch during a game against the Atlanta Braves.
Pillar was hit in the face by an offering from Braves pitcher Jordan Webb during Monday night’s victory. It was a grisly, disturbing scene, as the Mets outfielder was left bleeding profusely from the incident. After taking understandable time to initially recover from the devastating contact, Pillar ultimately was able to walk off the field under his own power.
The Mets placed Pillar on the 10-day IL on Tuesday, and the outfielder spoke to reporters afterward to address how he’s feeling while bearing the evidence of the damage the fastball to his face inflicted.
“I feel good. I feel real good, actually. Despite not looking so good, I feel as close to normal as possible,” Pillar told reporters, per ESPN. “The only tough thing is my right eye is suffering from a little bit of swelling, and I can’t really breathe out of my nose. But besides that, I feel good and I feel lucky and excited to get on this recovery and get back to what I love doing.”
“My immediate reaction was sadness – not about the pain but because my heart is broken because the team is hurting,” Pillar added.
Pillar went on to say how he felt bad for Webb, who understandably was left shaken by the incident.
In the end, the case can be made that Pillar is indeed somewhat lucky for how things played out despite suffering some serious injuries. The hope is that he has a quick recovery and returns to the field alongside his teammates soon enough.
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