WATCH: Almora, Jr., discusses his cramping issues |
CHICAGO — "It was hot today."
That was Chicago Cubs center fielder Albert Almora, Jr.'s, simplistic, yet logical, explanation for departing due to cramping issues in the fifth inning of the Cubs' 14-9 win over the Minnesota Twins. On a day in which the game-time temperature at Wrigley Field was 91 degrees, Almora, Jr., was pulled for a pinch runner in the bottom of the fifth after cramping up on the basepaths. "Things happen during games, and cramps are definitely a part of it," Almora, Jr., told reporters following the game. After tallying a single, Almora, Jr., experienced severe cramping when running to second base on an ensuing hit. He was then taken out and replaced by pitcher Mike Montgomery in a pinch-running spot. According to Almora, Jr., the cramping began during his fifth-inning at-bat. "It actually started on the 3-1 count," Almora, Jr., said. "When I swung over a curveball, my calf cramped up, and I grabbed it for a little bit. As it eased off, on the next pitch, when I hit the base hit, I felt one leg cramp, and, as I tightened up on this side, the other side went, too." A fifth-inning heat index of 107 degrees was, understandably, the cause of Almora, Jr.'s, cramping issues. Clearly in no visible pain following Saturday's contest, Almora, Jr., should be just fine moving forward. Albert Almora postgame. #Cubs pic.twitter.com/jF2oX9jDZe
