PITTSBURGH – Pirates utility infielder Phillip Evans will miss the rest of the season after suffering a hearing loss and breaking his jaw in a collision with teammate Gregory Polanco in fierce territory.
Sports medicine director Todd Tomczyk said Sunday that Evans was in good spirits but was still dealing with some swelling in his face. Evans, who was placed on the 45-day injured list, is expected to make a complete recovery, Tomczyk said, but the shortness of the 2020 season means he will not return this year.
Evans played first base as he darted into rough ground to chase a flyball through Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera. Polanco drove to the same spot from his position on the right field. Evans pulled up when he saw Polanco arrive, but it was too late. Polanco’s elbow hit Evans’ face just as Polanco made the grandfather. Evans briefly lost consciousness after falling to the ground, but was awake before being pulled off the field on a stretcher.
Evans, who made the team out of summer camp after signing a minor league game in October, was one of the few bright spots for the struggling Pirates. He hit the first home game of his career Friday night and hit .359 (14-for-39) at the time of injury.
He was released from the hospital late Saturday and was at PNC Park on Sunday morning before the team completed a three-game series with the Tigers.
Pittsburgh recalled outfielder Jose Osuna to replace Evans. The team also sent rookie reliever Nick Mears to their alternate site in Altoona and called up left-handed reliever Brandon Waddell.
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