Giancarlo Stanton is known for his long-distance home runs (Getty).
In a league without a signature face, Major League Baseball needs the All-Star Game as a vehicle for some of it’s young stars. This year the nation will be introduced to a bunch of new faces, and the future of baseball is looking bright. But not all future stars will be able to play in Cincinnati. One of the league’s biggest bats, Giancarlo Stanton, will miss the festivities with a fractured wrist. Stanton would’ve been a favorite in the Home Run Derby, but his injury will keep him out of the All-Star Game and beyond.
How Did Giancarlo Stanton Get Injured?
From the look on Stanton’s face it was obvious he was in pain (Getty).
The hardest part to swallow regarding Stanton’s injury is that it was a non-contact injury. Stanton broke the hamate bone in his left wrist during a June 26th game against the Dodgers. On a swing-and-miss during an AB in the sixth inning, Stanton showed first signs of pain in his hand. Later the hand appeared swollen. Stanton was in noticeable pain during his final at-bat in the 9th, and after another missed swing it was obvious he was injured. Stanton received surgery on the bone two days later, and is scheduled to return sometime in August.
Before going on the DL, Giancarlo Stanton was chasing history. His 27 homers put him on track to finish with over 60, a number that hasn’t been reached by any player since since 2001. Stanton was a big piece of the Marlins offense, and they have struggled without him. Once an outside Wild Card candidate, expect Miami to be out of the race altogether by the time Stanton returns.
His Replacement: Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates
Andrew McCutchen is the leader of the Pittsburgh Pirates on and off the field (Getty).
Stanton’s replacement is Pirates slugger Andrew McCutchen. Although Stanton plays his defense in right field, Cutch will start at CF and Bryce Harper will play RF. Cutch is having another consistent season for the Bucs, batting a hair under .300 and leading his team in runs, hits, and RBI. McCutchen is in the All-Star lineup for the fifth consecutive season, a feat only accomplished by one other Pirate in history (Clemente).
McCutchen doesn’t have much time to soak in the festivities. He is the leadoff hitter tonight for the National League, facing off against AL starter Dallas Keuchel.