Masyn Winn Exits Friday Night Game — Considered Day-to-Day

Masyn Winn Exits Friday Night Game — Considered Day-to-Day

The St. Louis Cardinals took a brief scare Friday night at Busch Stadium when shortstop Masyn Winn exited the game against the Boston Red Sox after being hit by a pitch.

In the third inning, Winn was struck on the left calf by an 84-mph sweeper from Red Sox pitcher Connelly Early. He initially stayed in the game—finishing the inning on the bases and returning to the field defensively in the fourth—but was later removed in the fifth inning as a precaution. Thomas Saggese took over at shortstop.

Injury Summary

Type: Left lower leg contusion (bruise)
Severity: Not considered serious
Status: Day-to-day

The early indication from the club is encouraging. The Cardinals believe this is a minor issue, and Winn is currently probable for Saturday night’s lineup, though no official card had been posted at last check. If the club plays it safe, Saggese is the likely fill-in.

This comes on the heels of what’s been a rough stretch for Winn, who walked away unharmed from a single-car accident on Interstate 64 just days earlier. Through it all, he’s stayed on the field—and in the lineup—whenever possible.

My old school take is you like seeing a young player try to stay in the game—that’s the competitor in him. But this is April, not September. If there’s even a hint of soreness, or risk of aggravating an injury you sit him a night and live to play another day.

The Cardinals are thinking long game here, and if they sit him tonight, that’s the right call.