Last Updated on June 18, 2023 by Inna Zeyger

BOSTON — Tanner Houck had sustained a facial fracture, according to the latest update by the Red Sox.

This happened when a line drive by the Yankees’ catcher Kyle Higashioka traveling at a speed of 89.7 miles per hour, struck the Boston pitcher on the right cheek during the fifth inning of the Yankees’ 15-5 loss in the first game of the series.

Yankees catcher was concerned

According to Higashioka, initially, he had hoped the pitcher would be able to make a glove save. He wasn’t certain if the ball hit him squarely. However, when he turned around and saw the incident, it became apparent to him that the situation was quite serious with Tanner Houck. Higashioka made these remarks after the game on Saturday, which was later postponed due to rain, but before the official diagnosis was made public.

After the Yankees’ defeat at Fenway Park on Friday night, Kyle Higashioka was concerned about Tanner Houck’s well-being following a line drive that hit the Red Sox pitcher in the face.

Higashioka mentioned that players from Boston, including former Yankee Rob Refsnyder, had conveyed to him during and after the game on Friday that Tanner Houck was “doing fine.” They further mentioned that it seemed the situation “wasn’t as severe as it could have been.”

However, the Red Sox announced that the right-handed pitcher will need to undergo additional tests next week. An update later came from the Red Sox, stating that hospital tests confirmed Tanner Houck had sustained a facial fracture.

The Yankees catcher acknowledged that he felt a bit shaken up after unintentionally injuring Tanner Houck. He mentioned that it was the first time he had ever hit an opposing pitcher in the head with a batted ball.

Higashioka acknowledged that all players have a strong desire to compete during the game. He emphasized that the main objective is to achieve success by getting hits and making impactful plays while expressing that causing harm or injury to the opposing pitcher is not something they wish for.

Higashioka expressed his discomfort with witnessing such incidents on the field. He mentioned that while running toward the bases, he hoped that Tanner Houck was able to make some contact with the ball before it struck him. He emphasized that these types of situations are undesirable and not something any player wants to witness.

Tanner Houck’s condition stable

On Saturday, it was reported that 26-year-old Tanner Houck was resting at home and in stable condition. Boston manager Alex Cora chose not to speak to the media regarding the matter.

As Tanner Houck left the field, he raised his fist toward the Fenway crowd while covering the bloodied right side of his face with a towel. He also seemed to acknowledge Higashioka before making his way to the dugout.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed his concern and good wishes for Tanner Houck, describing the incident as “scary.”

Boone added that from his vantage point, he observed Tanner Houck’s reaction, and it made him nervous. He added that the hit wasn’t a particularly strong one. However, he speculated that when Tanner Houck saw the blood, it likely frightened him to some extent, which he deemed understandable. He expressed his hopes and prayers for Tanner Houck’s well-being.

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