Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suárez exited Wednesday’s game against the Colorado Rockies after being struck on the right hand by a pitch. Initial X-rays at Coors Field were inconclusive, leading the team to schedule a CT scan to determine the extent of any potential fracture or structural damage.
What happened to Eugenio Suárez?
During the top of the fourth inning of the Diamondbacks’ 9-4 victory over the Colorado Rockies on September 18, 2024, Eugenio Suárez was hit by a pitch from Rockies right-hander Jeff Criswell. The ball made direct contact with Suárez’s right hand. He remained in the game briefly to run the bases but was replaced by defensive substitute Blaze Alexander at third base in the bottom of the inning.
According to post-game comments from Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo, the team immediately pursued diagnostic imaging to rule out a fracture. While the initial X-rays did not provide a definitive diagnosis, the team opted for a CT scan to gain a clearer picture of the injury.
Why the CT scan is necessary
In sports medicine, an X-ray is often the first line of defense for detecting fractures, but it can be limited when evaluating small, complex bones in the hand, such as the metacarpals or carpals. A CT scan provides a three-dimensional view of the bone structure, allowing medical staff to identify hairline fractures or internal swelling that might not appear on a standard radiograph.
The Diamondbacks are currently in the middle of a tight National League Wild Card race. The loss of a starter like Suárez, who has been a consistent presence in the middle of their lineup, would represent a significant setback for the club’s postseason ambitions.
Current status and next steps
As of the latest update, the Arizona Diamondbacks have not placed Suárez on the injured list. His availability for the remainder of the series against the Rockies and the subsequent stretch of the season remains day-to-day pending the results of the CT scan.
Key Details
- Player: Eugenio Suárez, Third Baseman, Arizona Diamondbacks.
- Incident Date: September 18, 2024.
- Opponent: Colorado Rockies.
- Injury Site: Right hand.
- Diagnostic Status: Initial X-rays were inconclusive; CT scan scheduled.
The team is expected to provide an update on Suárez’s status once the results of the additional imaging are reviewed by the medical staff.