Kevin Pillar Injuries Left Shoulder
On June 1, Kevin Pillar suffered a fractured left shoulder in a game against the Pirates. After signing a minor league contract in Spring Training, Pillar had played in only four games for the Dodgers. In those four games, Pillar managed just one base hit and reached base twice. While he will be forced to wear a protective mask while playing in the field and running the bases, he will be out at least a month.
Kevin Pillar left a game against the Pirates with a bloodied nose
When Kevin Pillar left a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday with a bloodied nose, it was a scary and shocking moment. A 95 mph fastball was hit by Jacob Webb and flew up and inside, right to Pillar’s face. The pitch broke Pillar’s nose in multiple spots and required surgery. A video of the incident was released, which is pretty graphic.
A CT scan showed that Pillar’s nose had multiple fractures. The Mets’ training staff called in the Braves’ trainers, and they immediately sent out someone to check Pillar. In fact, the Braves’ training staff had already been in touch with them. Pillar’s nose will be reset during surgery, and he will be out for a couple of days.
He needs surgery on a fractured left shoulder
The Dodgers are assessing their options for pitcher Kevin Pillar, who is scheduled to undergo surgery on a fractured left shoulder. Although the team hasn’t provided a definitive timeline, they have called Pillar a “warrior” and said he’s feeling “fine.” The pitcher is expected to miss a significant amount of time. While the team has not released a timetable for Pillar’s return, he will still receive a prorated portion of his $2.5 million salary.
The injury is the result of a game-ending collision between Pillar’s left shoulder and another player’s bat. Pillar dislocated his left shoulder twice in one game against the Pirates, once during a swing at the plate and once on a slide to third base. The LA Dodgers initially misdiagnosed the injury as a fractured shoulder, but Pillar was taken out of the game before the sixth inning.
He will wear a protective mask while playing in the field and running the bases
The Mets outfielder was activated from the injured list on Monday. He played in the seventh inning against the Diamondbacks. Pillar has a broken nose and will be out for four to six weeks. He will wear a protective mask when playing in the field and on the basepaths, along with a helmet with a C-flap.
After his MLB career, Pillar transitioned to broadcasting and was a color commentator for the Blue Jays on TSN. In 2001, he was named Blue Jays manager and led the team to an 80-82 record. After the season ended, Pillar was eager to get back on the field. He is excited to return to the big leagues.
He will miss at least a month of baseball
Mets second baseman Kevin Pillar will be out at least a month due to a fractured nasal bone. Pillar sustained the fracture on Monday when he was hit by a 94.5-mph fastball. The pitcher immediately removed Pillar from the game, causing the catcher to lay motionless for several minutes before walking off under his own power. After the game, Pillar texted his manager, Webb, to let him know he was going to miss a month of baseball.
While a solid outfielder with above-average power, Pillar’s defense is his biggest weakness. He’s had a poor defensive track record for most of his career. Despite his above-average raw power, he’s also a mediocre runner. His walk rate is below-average, which is concerning because he has already struggled to keep up with his teammates. The left-handed Pillar could potentially earn starts against left-handed pitching in a pinch.
He was expected to compete for a fourth outfield spot
The Blue Jays had three outfielders competing for the fourth outfield spot before Pillar was injured. They were free agent outfielder Kevin Pillar and Michael Saunders, who was acquired in a trade. Both players were expected to compete for that spot until Pillar’s injury sidelined him in the early part of the spring. However, the injuries to Pillar and Saunders will only cause a small amount of time off, and he should be ready to start the season.
Though Pillar’s defense isn’t a highlight reel, he does have some pop against right-handed pitching. While he’s not an elite CF, he can play all three outfield spots. His defensive center field play deteriorated completely. He also only plays center field below average, and his power numbers are modest. The Dodgers have a crowded outfield already. Mookie Betts, Cody Bellinger, and AJ Pollock all started as the starting center fielders, while superutility player Chris Taylor and infielder Matt Beaty are also in the mix.
He is a former Blue Jays outfielder
Kevin Pillar is a former Blue Jay who bounced from Minor League ball to the big leagues. He failed to make the big league club out of spring training in 2014, but he was promoted to Toronto in May. In 2015, he became a fixture in the outfield and was a key contributor to the Blue Jays’ first postseason appearance in over 20 years. The former minor leaguer will be hoping that his time in the big leagues will lead to a new success.
Despite his flaws, Pillar is still a fan favorite. In 2018, the Blue Jays gave away replica Pillar jerseys with a red cape. Though Pillar is not a good base runner, his love for the game has won him fans. He will be a free agent in February and should be a popular pick to start a new chapter of his life.
