WATCH: Baez injured while making spectacular defensive play

Chicago Cubs shortstop Javier Baez was injured while making a stellar defensive play. (Credit: Kamil Krzazcysnki-USA TODAY Sports)

Cole Little - Senior Writer - Sunday, May 19 2019

Chicago Cubs shortstop Javier Baez went all out when making a great play on a softly hit ground ball against the Washington Nationals, and, unfortunately, it cost him. Baez twisted his right ankle after racing to field the grounder hit by Nationals pitcher Jeremy Hellickson in the fourth inning on Sunday, but he was still able to fire a perfect throw to Anthony Rizzo at first base to record the out.

Baez writhed in a pain on the infield grass for a bit, leading a trainer to come out onto the field to check on him. The trainer and Cubs manager Joe Maddon both examined Baez as he attempted to walk the ankle injury off and performed some light jogging. Baez's concerned teammates crowded around to watch, too, and Baez was ultimately able to remain in the game. Although the injury overshadowed it, the spectacular throw that outed Hellickson just in the nick of time was one of Baez's best web gems of the season thus far.

Update: Baez was eventually removed from the game in the sixth inning as a precautionary measure.