Curtis Mead wrist injury cuts short Red Sox debut
Curtis Mead left his first Red Sox game after a pitch hit his left wrist, with Boston later calling the injury a contusion.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
2 min read
Curtis Mead wrist injury concerns arrived almost as soon as his Boston Red Sox career began, with the infielder leaving Monday night’s game against the Athletics in Sacramento after being hit on the left wrist by a pitch, ESPN News Services reported.
Mead, making his first appearance for Boston, was struck in the fourth inning by Athletics starter Jack Perkins. According to ESPN News Services, Mead initially tried to stay in the game, but departed after a Red Sox trainer came out to examine him.
The Red Sox later announced in the eighth inning that Mead had a left wrist contusion, ESPN News Services reported. A contusion is a bruise, meaning the club’s initial diagnosis did not describe a fracture or ligament injury.
What happened to Curtis Mead in his Red Sox debut?
Mead’s debut began with a called strikeout in his first plate appearance, according to ESPN News Services. His second trip ended with Perkins hitting him on the wrist in the fourth, forcing Boston into an early change on a night that was supposed to mark Mead’s fresh start with the club.
The game still finished well for Boston on the scoreboard. ESPN’s game listing showed the Red Sox beating the Athletics 4-2.
The timing was rough for Mead, who had joined the Red Sox only days earlier. ESPN News Services reported that Boston acquired him Saturday in a trade with Washington, sending left-hander Connelly Early the other way.
Before the game, Mead told Boston reporters in the clubhouse that he was excited to join both the Red Sox and their playoff race. He pointed back to Washington’s June visit to Fenway Park, saying the ballpark was “buzzing” and calling Boston a talented roster whose success did not surprise people.
Mead brought production with him into his Boston arrival. ESPN News Services reported that he is batting .253 this season with 17 home runs and 48 RBIs.
For the Red Sox, the immediate question is how Mead’s wrist responds after the hit-by-pitch. The club’s in-game update gave the diagnosis but did not provide a timetable for his return, according to ESPN News Services.
The Associated Press contributed to ESPN’s report.
This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.