Toronto Blue Jays centerfielder Kevin Kiermaier had to receive eight stitches after crashing into the “cheese grater” fence at Fenway Park.
The incident happened late in Sunday’s series finale game against the Boston Red Sox.
In the bottom of the sixth, Red Sox infielder Luis Urias hit a fly ball 399 ft to center field wall, where Kiermaier made a leaping catch. The problem? The part of the wall was the gate for the grounds crew and as Kiermaier came down, his right elbow scraped the fencing.
He was still able to whip the ball back to the infield, just in case, but immediately after teammate Cavan Biggio came over to him and was signalling to the Jays bench.
Skipper John Schneider and a member of the training staff came out to tend to Kiermaier, and the trainer wrapped his arm up as he left the game.
Thankfully, stitches appear to be the only ailment Kiermaier suffered from in the incident.
After the game, Schneider remained mum about his availability moving forward considering him day-to-day. Depending on the type of stitches used, it typically takes a week or two for them to be removed.
With the emergence of Davis Schneider as someone the team needs to keep in the lineup moving forward, it could allow Whit Merrifield to shuffle into left field, and for Daulton Varsho to man Kiermaier’s center field spot.
The Jays head to Cleveland Monday for a four-game set against the Guardians, who will likely be without Jose Ramirez in some capacity after his fight with Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson.
More must-reads: