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Cleveland's Josh Naylor to undergo leg surgery Friday
Cleveland Indians outfielder Josh Naylor (22) calls for medial attention after colliding with second baseman Ernie Clement (28) in the fourth innings against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland's Josh Naylor to undergo leg surgery Friday

Cleveland Indians outfielder Josh Naylor suffered what was originally diagnosed as a closed fracture and dislocation of his right ankle in a collision with teammate Ernie Clement during Sunday's game at the Minnesota Twins. 

Per Mandy Bell of the club's website, Naylor is scheduled to have surgery Friday. 

According to Bell, Cleveland Clinic foot and ankle specialist Dr. Mark Berkowitz confirmed Naylor is dealing with multiple fibula fractures and torn ligaments that will require him to go under the knife. The Associated Press (h/t ESPN) notes Naylor will likely miss at least the rest of the 2021 season, and there won't be any timeline for his return until after Friday's procedure. 

Naylor's injury and subsequent reaction to the incident caused the in-ballpark camera crew to focus mainly on the faces of other Cleveland players, many of whom were visibly disturbed by what they witnessed and heard. Clement later said Naylor encouraged him to push forward.

Naylor, 24, was slashing .253/.301/.399 with seven home runs and 21 RBI on the season.  

Zac Wassink

Zac Wassink is a longtime sports news writer and PFWA member who began his career in 2006 and has had his work featured on Yardbarker, MSN, Yahoo Sports and Bleacher Report. He is also a football and futbol aficionado who is probably yelling about Tottenham Hotspur at the moment and who chanted for Matt Harvey to start the ninth inning of Game 5 of the 2015 World Series at Citi Field. You can find him on X at @ZacWassink

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