Cubs News: Albert Almora Jr. leaves game due to injury |
ST. LOUIS — Chicago Cubs center fielder
Albert Almora Jr. made a significant impact in the Cubs' series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday. After being added to the starting lineup due to a late injury scratch, Almora robbed Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina of a couple of extra-base hits, including a solo home run, with two great leaping catches at Busch Stadium.
Perhaps as a result of the leaping grabs, Almora suffered an injury to his right leg that caused him to grimace in pain during his sixth-inning at-bat. Cubs manager Joe Maddon and a Cubs trainer came out to check on Almora, who convinced them to let him remain the game. Almora eventually reached base on a fielder's choice but sported an obvious hitch in his step. Following a walk that advanced Almora to second base with the game tied 1-1, Almora was removed and replaced with pinch runner Javier Baez, who donned a protective mitt on his injured left hand. Obviously, Almora would not have been a threat to score from second base, but an inning-ending groundout left both baserunners stranded, anyway. As for Almora, he likely strained something in his lower right leg and may not play again in the final weekend of the regular season.
