Royals' Melendez shows support for injured LLWS player

Kansas City Royals catcher MJ Melendez (1) celebrates in the dugout. Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Royals' MJ Melendez shows support for injured LLWS player on wrist tape

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 8/17/22

Kansas City Royals catcher and outfielder MJ Melendez is sending good vibes to a Little League World Series player who is currently in critical condition.

Royals beat writer Lynn Worthy reported that Melendez will sport a message on his wrist tape for Wednesday's game in support of 12-year-old Easton Oliverson, who is in the hospital after falling from a bunk bed at the players' dormitory and fracturing his skull.

MJ Melendez usually has a Bible verse written on his wrist tape. Today, he's planning to have the number 50 in support of Easton Oliverson, the 12-year-old from Utah in critical condition after falling from a bunk bed at the players' dormitory in the Little League World Series.
— Lynn Worthy (@LWorthySports) August 17, 2022

Melendez went with the message: #PrayForEaston https://t.co/jxKJnZuP8F
— Lynn Worthy (@LWorthySports) August 17, 2022

Oliverson was airlifted to the local children's hospital and underwent surgery to stop internal bleeding. As of Wednesday, his condition was reportedly improving.

"As of the afternoon of Tuesday, August 16, Little League officials spoke with Easton's family and were pleased to hear that his medical team remains encouraged by his progress," Little League International said in a statement, via CNN. "At the request of his family, Little League International encourages all to join us in keeping the Snow Canyon Little League player and his family in our thoughts and prayers, as we wish for a full and complete recovery."

Oliverson's team, Snow Canyon Little League out of Utah, is scheduled to play its first Little League World Series game on Friday.

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