Padres News: Bob Melvin Reveals Austin Nola Likely Suffered Broken Nose Sunday

Unfortunate news for Friars' starting catcher.

Austin Nola took a nasty hit directly to the face on Sunday in their exhibition match against the Chicago Cubs. It was off a fastball that went way off target from Michael Fulmer and Nola hit the ground in pain.

Austin Nola has exited the game after being hit in the face by a Michael Fulmer fastball pic.twitter.com/WV3RitO8mf

— Talking Friars (@TalkingFriars) March 19, 2023

Nola has built a solid reputation in his years with the Friars as a tough and reliable catcher. He was a key part of their 2022 postseason run but few can garner a hit like this one he took here.

Following the conclusion of the game, team manager Bob Melvin spoke to '97.3 The Fan" and shared an unfortunate update that he believes Nola broke his nose.

Padres manager Bob Melvin says that Austin Nola was hit in the nose by the pitch during today’s game.

More from Melvin on Nola’s status: pic.twitter.com/001LOagbs8

— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) March 19, 2023

"It hit him in the nose so I can't imagine it's not broken," said Melvin. "Last I heard, they were trying to stop the bleeding and he was doing okay. But, like I said, I can't imagine it's not broken when it hit him square in the nose."

Melvin would also go on to explain that the team's doctors are keeping in close evaluation and he cannot confirm any other injuries nor how long Nola will be out of the lineup. He highlighted Nola's importance to San Diego's team and expressed that he hopes he doesn't have to miss extended time.