Last Updated on July 8, 2019 by CCAR Staff
CLEVELAND — When Jake Marisnick violently collided with Jonathan Lucroy, it was felt by catchers all over the majors.
As the players gathered for the All-Star Game on Monday, there was much discussion about what had happened to the Angels catcher during Sunday’s final game before the break.
“There’s definitely a brotherhood behind the plate,” Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto said. “It’s hard to see that. We’ve all been in situations like that where you’ve gotten hit or just missed getting hit. It’s scary.”
Lucroy remained in Houston on Sunday night to be evaluated. He was diagnosed with a concussion and a fractured nose. After the swelling has subsided after the All-Star break, he will see a specialist further assess his condition.
“My prayers go out to him,” Milwaukee Brewers catcher Yasmani Grandal said. “I had him in my prayers last night after I saw it.”
To Angels manager Brad Ausmus, it was not merely an unfortunate play, though. A former catcher, Ausmus said Major League Baseball should consider suspending Marisnick for the hit on Lucroy.
Joe Torre, Major League Baseball’s chief baseball officer, told the Houston Chronicle on Monday that his office is “still having conversations” about discipline.
At least one catcher came out strongly in favor of disciplining Marisnick. Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina wrote in a profanity-laced Instagram post that baseball “need(s) to take action.” Molina’s opinion, however, was not shared by the players asked about it during the All-Star media day on Monday.
“If your question is whether it’s a dirty play or not, I don’t think so,” Grandal said.
Realmuto, who knows Marisnick from their days together in the Miami Marlins farm system, said he didn’t believe there was any malicious intent.
“I’ve known Jake for a long time,” Realmuto said. “He’s a great guy. I know he wasn’t trying to do any harm. It was just an unfortunate play that happens. It’s tough to watch. I’ve been there, where you’re going full speed, it happens so fast there’s no way you can avoid it.”
Alex Bregman, who is obviously biased as Marisnick’s teammate, said the Astros are hoping that Lucroy will be OK.
“We love competing against Lucroy,” Bregman said. “He’s a great player. We hope he recovers ASAP. In no way, shape or form did Jake try to make a dirty play. Would he ever try to make a dirty play? That’s a no. At the end of the day, there should be zero suspension.”
