Jeremiah Jackson has been one of the best stories of the Orioles’ second half, taking advantage of the opportunity to play every day created by the ballclub’s myriad injuries and its decision to sell at the trade deadline.
Now, he’s had to leave a game because of injury, too.
The outfielder left the Orioles’ game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the eighth inning Tuesday after being hit by a pitch on the inside of his right elbow. Pirates right-hander Braxton Ashcraft left a 95.5 mph sinker too far inside, catching Jackson in the elbow just as he was raising his arms to let the ball sail by him.
Head trainer Scott Barringer ran out to meet Jackson in the batter’s box, and they walked down to first base together as he shook his arm out. They ultimately made the call to remove him from the game, replacing him with pinch runner Daniel Johnson at first base.
Interim manager Tony Mansolino said after the game “all indications” were that Jackson dodged a major injury and he wasn’t slated to undergo any further testing.
“Right now, he’s fine,” Mansolino said. “Going to try and play him at third [base] tomorrow if the elbow is feeling good, get him back out there.”
Jackson, 25, was 2-for-3 with a go-ahead home run in the sixth before leaving the contest. He entered the game slashing .305/.333/.492 in 32 games since being called up to make his MLB debut after the trade deadline.
The Orioles acquired Jackson in minor league free agency last offseason after the 2018 second-round pick hit a wall in Double-A with the Los Angeles Angels. He showed Baltimore enough to earn a promotion to Triple-A in June and was in the majors two months later.
So far, he’s been a revelation for Baltimore, earning his way into the conversation for a roster spot next season. While Jackson, a natural shortstop, is still settling in defensively in the outfield, his contact skills and power have both shown through over his first month in the majors.
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