HOUSTON -- Bryan Reynolds has been removed from tonight's lineup against the Astros due to a bruised right shin suffered Sunday against the Padres. In the game, Reynolds was hit by a pitch in the fifth inning, causing the injury. He is currently "day-to-day."
Here's the play that caused the injury:
Reynolds remained in the game, getting two singles and drawing a walk after that play in the Pirates' extra-innings 11-10 victory.
Reynolds said before the game at Minute Maid Park that the injury is "not serious and (the medical staff) is just being cautious, that's all."
Bryan Reynolds was all set to start Tuesday against the Astros, taking his usual No. 2 position in the batting order.
Pirates lineup tonight vs. the Astros and Gerrit Cole #dkps #pirates pic.twitter.com/iMbCjhrbpp
— DK Pittsburgh Sports (@DKPghSports) June 25, 2019
See? Reynolds was ready to go, and then...
Significant changes to Pirates' lineup tonight in Houston: Bryan Reynolds scratched. Corey Dickerson batting second. Josh Bell to DH. Melky Cabrera sliding to right. Jose Osuna batting seventh and playing first base. #DKPS #Pirates
— Dejan Kovacevic (@Dejan_Kovacevic) June 25, 2019
The Pirates are scheduled to face Gerrit Cole for the first time since trading him to Houston for Colin Moran, Joe Musgrove, Jason Martin and Michael Feliz in January 2018.
While much of the discussion around this game centers around that aspect, losing Reynolds is no small narrative itself. Reynolds is slashing .362/.418/.564 this season in 208 plate appearances, emerging as a Rookie of the Year contender in the process. To go along with those lofty numbers, Reynolds has added six home runs, two triples, 16 doubles and 28 RBIs. While the Pirates boast solid depth in the outfield, losing Reynolds for any amount of time could hurt the Pirates' suddenly resurgent offense.
