© Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Tanner Bibee Exits Start Against Rangers With Hip Injury
The Cleveland Guardians haven't been able to catch a break this season. They've lost a number of pitchers due to injuries including Cal Quantrill, Triston McKenzie, and Shane Bieber while also struggling to come up with clutch hits on offense.
Now one of their most prized rookies may be dealing with an injury himself.
Tanner Bibee was in the middle of another gem taking on the intimidating Texas Rangers lineup. He pitched 5.1 innings struck out four, walked none, and only allowed one run.
However, he was removed from the game prematurely after throwing a pitch and immediately limped off the mound.
Earlier in the game, Leody Taveras hit a ball right back to Bibee which hit him in the foot. Tanner was able to flip the ball to first for the out and didn't show any signs of discomfort.
He went out for the next inning and the aftermath of this play clearly was bothering him which forced Terry Francona, Carl Willis, and the team's trainer to check out what was going on.
Bibee was ultimately removed from the game and Enyel De Los Santos came in for relief.
The team announced that Bibee officially left the game with hip tightness and being hit in the foot could not have helped this at all. Whatever it was, the pitcher clearly was in distress when trying to throw the ball.
It's important to note that Bibee had already thrown 84 pitches and it was the sixth inning when all of this went down. He probably didn't have too many more batters in him anyway so hopefully this is just a precautionary move.
Sep 16, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Tanner Bibee (61) talks with head athletic trainer James Quinlan during the sixth inning against the Texas Rangers at Progressive Field. Bibee left the game with an injury. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
© Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Bibee is having an incredible rookie season and is a legitimate Rookie of the Year Contender. He entered Saturday night's start with an ERA of 3.03 with a record of 10-4. The right-hander will be an important piece for the Guardians for many years to come.
