Injuries have a tendency to strike without warning in Major League Baseball, and with the trade deadline approaching in mere hours, the health of players can make or break a team’s overall plans.
That fact was evident once again on Thursday when MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand revealed via social media post that Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Díaz had to be removed from today’s game after being hit by a pitch from New York Yankees right-hander Marcus Stroman.
During the third pitch of his at-bat in the first inning, Díaz was struck by an 89.9 mph sinker on his right forearm and left the game immediately to see medical attention. Soon after, MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported on social media that Díaz was later sent for X-rays with his current condition still uncertain.
The All-Star slugger was recently named a potential trade target of the Boston Red Sox by the Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, and with Tampa looking likely to trade impact pieces from its roster today, Díaz is viewed alongside Baltimore’s Ryan O’Hearn as the top first baseman still available leading up to the deadline later today.
While it remains to be seen what Díaz’s X-rays have revealed, teams like the Red Sox, who are potentially in the market for an upgrade at first base, could make a beeline to close in on a deal to acquire O’Hearn later today.
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Díaz is batting .283 with 18 home runs and 62 RBIs this season. The 33-year-old won the American League batting title by hitting .330 in 2023.
