Harrison hit by pitch on hand, being examined by specialist

Josh Harrison was hit on the left hand by a pitch in the fifth inning of the Pirates' 5-0 shutout of the Reds on Saturday night at PNC Park, and his status was uncertain.



A team statement issued later during the game said Harrison was "currently being examined and treated by the team doctors. Awaiting additional consultation by the orthopedic hand specialist." The Pirates' hand specialist is Dr. Darren Frank of Allegheny Health Network, but PNC Park has an X-ray machine near the clubhouse, so the team almost surely would already know if the hand is broken.

Clint Hurdle had no additional update after the game.

The pitch, by Cincinnati starter Tyler Mahle, appeared to catch the top of Harrison's left hand on a partial check swing. Immediately upon contact, Harrison animatedly leaped and sprinted out of the batter's box in obvious pain. Todd Tomczyk, the head athletic trainer, had to chase him down and stop him to begin checking the hand.



Once that occurred, Harrison took first base. But he was replaced by Sean Rodriguez after that inning.