Sports

Kevin Pillar Suffers Multiple Nasal Fractures After Taking Fastball To Face

May 18, 2021 / 1:37 PM EDT / CBS Boston

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NEW YORK (AP) — New York Mets outfielder Kevin Pillar suffered multiple nasal fractures when he was hit in the face by a fastball. The Mets say Pillar will meet with a facial specialist in Atlanta to determine the next steps.

In a frightening scene that shook both teams, Pillar was drilled square in the nose by a 95 mph pitch from Braves reliever Jacob Webb with the bases loaded in the seventh inning Monday night.

Pillar was knocked to the ground, and blood poured from his nose when he lifted his head. After the game, Mets manager Luis Rojas said the veteran outfielder was taken to the hospital for a CT scan. Pillar later provided an encouraging update on his Twitter account.

"Thanks to everyone that has reached out! Scary moment but I'm doing fine!" he posted.

Thanks to everyone that has reached out! Scary moment but I'm doing fine! #RBI #gamewinner ????????????????
— Kevin Pillar (@KPILLAR4) May 18, 2021

Starter Taijuan Walker also was forced to leave the 3-1 win over the Braves, joining a long list of injured Mets players. Walker pitched only three innings, allowing one hit and no runs, before exiting with tightness in his left side. He was to have an MRI.

The injuries to Walker and Pillar came after the Mets added two regulars to the injured list before the game. Ace starter Jacob deGrom already is on the IL, recovering from right side tightness.

New York placed outfielder Michael Conforto and second baseman Jeff McNeil on the 10-day IL with hamstring injuries.

The 32-year-old started last year with the Boston Red Sox. He played in 30 games for the Red Sox, hitting .274 with four home runs before getting traded to the Rockies on Aug. 31. He signed as a free agent with the Mets prior to this season.