Yankees' Gary Sanchez leaves game vs. Rays with hand injury

Gary Sanchez has been diagnosed with a contusion to his right index and middle fingers after the X-rays on his right hand were negative. TNS

Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez leaves game vs. Rays with hand injury

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 4/17/21

New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez left Saturday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays one inning after taking a foul ball off his right hand.

Sanchez's hand was unprotected when Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena tipped a pitch that appeared to hit the 28-year-old in the knuckles in the fourth inning.

The Yankees said X-rays of Sanchez's hand were negative and that he has a contusion on his right index and middle fingers. He's now listed as day-to-day.

Gary Sánchez suffered a contusion to his right index and middle fingers. X-rays were negative and he is day-to-day.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) April 17, 2021

Entering Saturday's game, Sanchez was hitting .243 with two home runs and four RBIs on nine hits.

The Bronx Bombers have struggled to open the season, and Sanchez's injury won't make things any better. New York sits last in the AL East with a 5-9 record with Saturday's loss, and fans began to throw baseballs on the field during Friday's game against the Rays to show their frustration.

With Sanchez sidelined, Kyle Higashioka will see more action at catcher. He's hitting .333 this season with two home runs and four RBI on four hits.

Erin Walsh is a Boston sports fan through and through. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bridgewater State University and currently is in pursuit of her Master's Degree in Journalism from Northeastern University. Follow her on Twitter @ewalsh90.

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