Oct 13, 2020; San Diego, California, USA; Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Kevin Kiermaier (39) reacts after being hit by a pitch by Houston Astros starting pitcher Enoli Paredes (60) during the sixth inning in game three of the 2020 ALCS at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Kiermaier hit by pitch, leaves Game 3 of ALCS

Originally posted on MLB Trade Rumors | By Anthony Franco | Last updated 10/13/20

Rays center fielder Kevin Kiermaier left in the sixth inning of Game 3 of the ALCS Tuesday night after being hit by a pitch, as first noted by Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times (Twitter link). Right fielder Manuel Margot moved to center, with Hunter Renfroe coming off the bench to play right.

X-rays on Kiermaier’s wrist came back negative, per Topkin and Bob Nightengale of USA Today (Twitter links). He has been diagnosed with a contusion.

Kiermaier took a 99-mph fastball from Enoli Paredes off his left wrist area, as Daren Willman of MLB.com noted. He ran for himself but was replaced defensively in the following half-inning. Kiermaier posted a .217/.321/.367 line in the regular season and hasn’t hit much this postseason. He’s an otherworldly outfielder, however, and has been a vital piece of a Rays’ defense that has thrived during their playoff run.

This article first appeared on MLB Trade Rumors and was syndicated with permission.

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