Canadian major leaguer Josh Naylor needs ankle surgery after frightening collision
Outfielder's right foot planted awkwardly after he was sent airborne in Sunday game
Josh Naylor's hustle and heart will be missing from Cleveland's lineup for a while.
The 24-year-old outfielder will need surgery after breaking his right ankle during a frightening collision with a teammate, rookie second baseman Ernie Clement.
Naylor, who has been a clutch hitter and bright spot for Cleveland, smashed into Clement in the fourth inning of Sunday's 8-2 loss in Minnesota. Naylor was sprinting toward a shallow pop in right by Minnesota's Jorge Polanco when he hit Clement as the players were trying to make the catch.
Cleveland said the native of Mississauga, Ont., has a "closed" fracture and dislocation.
Naylor spent the night at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minnesota. He returned to Ohio on Monday, accompanied by trainer James Quinlan, who took Naylor to his apartment before coming to Progressive Field.
Naylor will be evaluated at the Cleveland Clinic this week by foot/ankle specialist Dr. Mark Berkowitz. The team did not give a timetable for Naylor's return, but due to the severity of the injury and necessary recovery time, it's likely Naylor will miss the remainder of this season.
His loss is another blow to Cleveland, which despite a rash of injuries have stayed competitive.
"He has a big heart," manager Terry Francona said. "As with a lot of 23-, 24-year-old kids, they can make some mistakes during games. But you could tell him that and he'd be, 'OK, yes sir, I'll try not to do that again,' which is what you're looking for.
Shocked teammates
"He just keeps playing. I'm really hopeful that going through this, that will be what gets him to the finish line and back to being a good player, is that attitude."
The impact with Clement spun Naylor, whose right foot was planted awkwardly. Naylor immediately reacted in pain, rolling around and pounding his fists into the grass.
Oh man.... Josh Naylor just had a nasty collision and is in incredible pain.<br><br>Probably don't want to watch if you have a squeamish stomach.... <a href="https://t.co/dTL5LTtNDI">pic.twitter.com/dTL5LTtNDI</a>
—@TDWiederhoeftHis leg was placed in an air cast and the 24-year-old was carted off the field on a stretcher as his shocked teammates consoled Clement and gathered themselves.
Steady contributor
"It was heartbreaking, man," catcher Rene Rivera said. "It's hard. A guy like him, a nice guy in the clubhouse. Really a lot of energy, positivity and seeing him go through that was really tough. You could tell the whole dugout was really in shock."
Cleveland placed Naylor on the injured list before opening a three-game series against Detroit.
Acquired by Cleveland last year in a trade with San Diego, he has been steady contributor this season. He's batting .253 with seven homers and 21 runs batted in and made several big defensive plays.
The affable Naylor has played right field and first base. The Canadian has also become a fan favourite because of his all-out effort, attitude and for batting .714 (5-for-7) with a homer and three RBI against the New York Yankees in last year's playoffs.
Naylor's injury is the latest for Cleveland, which has been ravaged with medical issues but is only 2 1/2 games out of first in the American League Central.
The club is also without reigning Cy Young winner Shane Bieber (shoulder), starters Aaron Civale (finger) and Zach Plesac (thumb), slugger Franmil Reyes and Gold Glove-winning catcher Roberto Perez (finger).
