Cano Hit By Harvey Fastball, But X-Rays Come Back Negative
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Robinson Cano's 2013 All-Star Game experience didn't last very long.
The New York Yankees' second baseman was forced out of Tuesday's night's Midsummer Classic at Citi Field during the first inning after he was drilled by a 96 mph fastball from NL starter Matt Harvey.
Cano, who was batting second for AL, was struck in the right knee area.
Cano took first base after being checked out by trainers. But following a strikeout by Miguel Cabrera, Cano limped slowly across the infield and left the game. Boston's Dustin Pedroia ran for Cano and remained in the game.
X-rays were negative, and Cano later said he suffered a bruised quadriceps.
"It's a little tight. I came out of the game because I didn't want to aggravate it," he said. "Nothing bad. They told me it's a bruise, and ice the next few days."
His leg wrapped near the knee, Cano said Yankees trainer Steve Donahue was called immediately.
When asked if he'll play Friday in the opener of the Bombers' series in Boston, Cano said, "Yeah, hopefully, yeah."
The five-time All-Star had little chance to get out of the way of Harvey's heater.
Harvey, the cross-town Mets' ace, told FOX after he finished two innings: "I tried to go in. That sometimes happens. My apologies definitely go out to him."
"He said 'My bad,'" Cano said. "I said, 'No problem.' He didn't want to hit anybody."
Even in an exhibition, injuries are a risk. Most famously, catcher Ray Fosse's career was never the same after he was bowled over by Pete Rose at the plate during the 1970 All-Star Game.
It was almost fitting that Cano was injured in the Midsummer Classic, considering how the season's first half went for the Yankees. Jay-Z's first sports client had been the steady star in a lineup ravaged by injuries to their expensive stars.
While Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Curtis Granderson, Kevin Youkilis and Mark Teixeira all have missed significant time, Cano, the AL Home Run Derby captain, racked up a team-leading 21 homers and 65 RBIs, while hitting .302.
"Well, that never went through my mind," Cano said. "My mind was not something like bad, that you can miss some of the season's game."
All-Stars often dress quickly and leave after they come out, but Cano said he had a good reason to stick around.
"Just (to) watch Mariano," Cano said of Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, who was later voted MVP in his final All-Star Game, a 3-0 victory by the AL.
In a couple of quirky coincidences, Cano's No. 24 was in the spotlight long after he left the game for treatment.
First, a child wearing a Cano pinstriped jersey was nearly hit by Cabrera's flying bat. Cabrera sent the bat twirling into the stands while flailing at a pitch.
Then a little later, a fan ran onto the field and was tackled by security. Yup, he was wearing a navy blue T-shirt that said "Cano" on the back.
(TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
You May Also Be Interested In These Stories
