The Chicago Cubs did not kick off their new four-game series with the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night with a very encouraging performance, as they suffered a 1-0 defeat, recording just one hit the entire night. Even more concerning was the fact that rookie catcher Moises Ballesteros took a line drive to the helmet that nearly knocked him out of the game.
In the fifth inning, Pete Crow-Armstrong smoked a line drive to first base that deflected off of Spencer Steer’s glove and hit Ballesteros in the helmet before rolling into right field. Ballesteros was promptly thrown out at second base, and after the game, he took a second to open up on the play and share how he’s feeling.
Moises Ballesteros Avoids Injury on Scary Play
📺: FOX
After enjoying a strong year in the minors, the Cubs awarded Ballesteros with a promotion to the majors earlier this month. In 114 games at Triple-A this season, Ballesteros hit .316 with 13 home runs and 76 RBIs, helping him become Chicago’s No. 2 prospect and the No. 50 prospect in the league, according to MLB.com.
In his brief stint in the majors, Ballesteros has looked the part of a pro, hitting .286 with two home runs and 9 RBIs in just 13 games. With a postseason run on the horizon for the Cubs, it’s fair to wonder if Ballesteros could end up playing an unexpected role for the team as the calendar flips to October.
Anytime you take a ball to the helmet, it’s scary, let alone when it’s coming at you at 105 mph like Crow-Armstrong’s line drive was. While Ballesteros initially appeared stunned and was thrown out at second base, he remained in the game and finished the contest, indicating that he wasn’t injured. Sure enough, he revealed after the game that he was feeling fine, allowing Cubs fans everywhere to exhale after holding their breath while waiting for an injury update.
“When the ball hit my helmet, I felt a little bit nervous,” Ballesteros said after the game. “But after the trainer checked me, he told me I’m good. I feel really good right now.”
Moises Ballesteros, Cubs Looking to Get Back on Track vs. Reds
GettyMoises Ballesteros got hit in the head with a line drive on Thursday night, but the Cubs rookie appears to be fine
Ballesteros may get a breather on Friday when the Cubs return to action against the Reds, but it appears as if he’s doing alright after this worrisome play. That’s great news for Chicago, because Ballesteros has quickly become a key part of its lineup, giving the team another option they could turn to in the postseason if they felt so inclined.
Before the Cubs can worry about the playoffs, they have to get there first, and get there in one piece, for that matter. After getting bamboozled by Hunter Greene on Thursday, Chicago will look to get back in the win column when it returns to action on Friday. Shota Imanaga will take the mound against Nick Lodolo, with first pitch being scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET.
Cubs Get Good News on Rookie Moisés Ballesteros After Scary Moment