A bizarre scene unfolded at Camden Yards in the sixth inning of Sunday’s series finale between the Orioles and Blue Jays. A ball thrown from the stands during a break in play injured Toronto right fielder Jesús Sánchez in what appears to have been a misunderstanding.
As seen from the Peacock broadcast of the game, Sánchez turned toward fans in right field and seemed to wave with his glove. He turned away, but a ball then came into the frame and struck Sánchez on the right arm. He crouched in pain, then dropped the glove off his left hand and signaled for a trainer to visit him from the dugout.
Toronto manager John Schneider joined a trainer in the outfield, and Schneider soon signaled to the dugout for Yohendrick Piñango to replace Sánchez.
Sánchez exited with a right wrist contusion, and the Blue Jays say X-rays were negative for a fracture.
A statement from an Orioles spokesperson said the club has “identified the fan and removed them from the ballpark while we conduct a thorough investigation.”
The Peacock broadcast marveled at the unusual situation. Orioles Hall of Famer Jim Palmer, serving as a color commentator, said, “What’re you thinking?” He added: “I’d fingerprint it right now,” referring to the baseball.
Fans in the area told The Baltimore Sun and Peacock that the incident appeared to be an accident. A young teenager threw the ball to Sánchez, the fans said, but Sánchez had already turned away.
Comments
Welcome to The Banner's subscriber-only commenting community. Please review our community guidelines.