April 21 (UPI) — Luis Arraez returned to the San Diego Padres’ clubhouse after a collision at first base with Mauricio Dubon and a precautionary hospital visit during the team’s 3-2 victory over the Houston Astros.
The incident happened in the top of the first inning Sunday in Houston. Arraez later posted on Instagram that he was evaluated at Houston Methodist Hospital and that “there’s nothing to worry about.”
The Padres reported that Arraez was stable, conscious, responsive, and able to move all his limbs. Manager Mike Shildt acknowledged concerns about a cut on Arraez’s jaw.
“It was the best possible outcome for Luis,” Shildt told MLB.com. “It was a scary moment, but initial tests are promising. No fractures, just a small cut along the jawline. We’re keeping an eye on his neck and jaw. He did have a brief moment of disorientation, which is concerning, but he’s regaining his awareness, and early concussion tests look good. Overall, we feel very fortunate.”
Arraez, batting second, laid down a bunt on the first pitch he saw — a 93.5 mph slider from Astros starter Framber Valdez. The bunt rolled toward first, where Christian Walker fielded it and tossed to Dubon, who stepped on the bag for the out.
As Dubon’s momentum carried him across the base path, Arraez collided with his arm, taking a hit to the face before falling to the ground. He lay there as medical personnel treated him and was then carted off on a stretcher. Dubon stayed by Arraez’s side during the aftermath.
Gavin Sheets stepped in as the Padres’ designated hitter and finished 1-for-4 with an RBI. Arraez returned to the clubhouse after the game.
“After the collision, I had to leave the game on a stretcher,” Arraez wrote on Instagram. “I was taken to Houston Methodist Hospital for evaluation. Thankfully, everything came back clear. I’m resting now and plan to rejoin the team Monday.”
He also expressed gratitude to the medical teams from both clubs and the hospital staff, saying, “Most importantly, I thank God for His protection — I’m doing well now.”
Arraez was credited with a sacrifice bunt and officially went 0-for-0. Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. had a standout performance, going 2-for-4 with a home run, triple, RBI, and three runs scored. Xander Bogaerts and Martin Maldonado each added two hits in the win.
Arraez, a three-time batting champion, is hitting .287 (25-for-87) in his first 22 games this season.
The Padres (16-6) will face the Detroit Tigers (13-9) at 6:40 p.m. EDT Monday in Detroit, while the Astros (10-11) will host the Toronto Blue Jays (12-10) at 8:10 p.m. in Houston.
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