Pirates infielder Phillip Evans left Saturday’s game between Pittsburgh and the Detroit Tigers on a stretcher after a collision with outfielder Gregory Polanco at the top of the sixth inning. Polanco’s elbow turned to connect with Evans’ chin as they each chased a flyball. Evans remained on the ground for several minutes while he was examined and prepped by the medical experts on hand.
Evans revealed that he moved his hands after being rejected.
Evans, 28 on Sept. 10, is one of the bright spots on the Pittsburgh roster so far this season. On Saturday, he had .378 / .452 / .514 (175 OPS +) in 37 at-bats. This is his first year with the Pirates organization, after signing in the winter as a free agent for minor leagues. He started games at four different positions: first and third base and field left and right.
Evans was originally a 15th-round pick by the New York Mets in 2011 through La Costa Canyon High School in Carlsbad, California. He appeared in 34 major league games with the Mets over the 2017-18 seasons. He spent the 2019 season in the Chicago Cubs system, hitting .283 / .371 / .470 at the Triple-A level.
