Jarred Kelenic might think twice before taking his frustrations out on inanimate objects in the future. An incident with water cooler resulted in a broken foot for the Seattle Mariners outfielder on Wednesday.
Kelenic stepped to the plate in the ninth inning with the Mariners trailing the Minnesota Twins 6-3. With two runners aboard, the outfielder had a chance to potentially tie the game — or at least pull Seattle closer.
After a nine-pitch at-bat, Kelenic struck out. He didn’t contain his frustration very well, then kicking a water cooler. But the jug got the last laugh, with the outfielder breaking his foot as a result of his actions.
“I let the emotions get the best of me there,” Kelenic said. “I just feel terrible. Especially for the guys. I let emotions get the best of me and I let them down. And I take full responsibility for it. It’s on me. Just can’t happen.”
The Mariners placed Kelenic on the 10-day injured list on Thursday as a result of the injury. He finished Wednesday night’s game with a hit and a run scored in four appearances at the dish. Kelenic struck out twice in the contest.
Seattle lost the game 6-3.
“We came up last night with the game on the line, two guys on, against arguably the best closer in baseball and I put together a good at-bat,” Kelenic said. “Was just grinding, ya know. And unfortunately I couldn’t come through. And like I said, I made a mistake.”
Kelenic is enjoying a strong season at the plate for the Mariners this year. He’s batting .252 with 11 home runs and 45 RBIs. The left fielder has also piled up 26 extra-base hits.
Per FOX News, Mariners manager Scott Servais does not believe Kelenic’s injury will require surgery. However, he does expect the left fielder to miss a significant amount of time.
“I think it’s a learning lesson for him. For all players,” Servais said. “Players get frustrated when they’re not getting the results they’re looking for. But you’ve got to be able to control your emotions. That’s part of being a professional. Last night, he let it get the best of him and it affects all of us.”
Kelenic was called up to the big leagues on May 13, 2021, making his debut for the Mariners. He’s spent each of his first three seasons in the MLB in Seattle.
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