May 18 (UPI) — New York Mets outfielder Kevin Pillar sustained multiple nasal fractures and will meet with a facial specialist in Atlanta to “determine next steps” after he was struck in the face by a fastball, the team said Tuesday.
Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Jacob Webb hit Pillar with the pitch in the seventh inning of the Mets’ 3-1 win Monday at Truist Park in Atlanta. Pillar was hospitalized Monday night.
The Mets outfielder was 1 for 3 on the day when he stepped into the box as the seventh batter of the inning.
Pillar fouled off Webb’s first pitch. He then worked the count to 1-2. Webb’s next pitch — a 94.5-mph, four-seamer — got away from the relief pitcher and sailed directly at Pillar’s nose.
The Mets outfielder fell to the ground as blood streamed from his face. The Mets’ medical staff tended to Pillar and helped him get to his feet. He was able to walk to the dugout without assistance.
Pillar was taken to a local hospital for a CT scan, and updated fans on his condition late Monday on Twitter. The Mets outfielder joked about the play, which also brought in a run because the bases were loaded when he was hit by the pitch.
“Thanks to everyone that has reached out,” Pillar tweeted. “Scary moment, but I’m doing fine! #RBI #gamewinner.”
Khalil Lee replaced Pillar for the remainder of the game.
“This guy’s [Pillar] a warrior,” Mets manager Luis Rojas told reporters Monday. “He shows up every day to play hard, and you guys saw him, he got up on his feet and left.
“There’s no chance I thought he was going to be able to do that after I saw the ball hit him in the face, but he got up and he left. That’s at least one positive to see.”
Pillar recorded an RBI double in the win. Mets catcher Tomas Nido went 3 for 4. Pillar is hitting .250 with two home runs and eight RBIs this season.
The Mets (19-16) face the Braves (19-22) at 7:20 p.m. EDT Tuesday in Atlanta.