Bumgarner leaves start after taking liner off pitching elbow
Madison Bumgarner was removed from Saturday's start against the St. Louis Cardinals following two innings pitched after being struck by a comebacker during the first.
The second batter of the game, Jose Martinez, drilled a line drive toward the San Francisco Giants ace and reached base on a single after it ricocheted off of Bumgarner's left elbow. Bumgarner lobbied to stay in the game during a brief delay. The lefty struck out the next batter he faced and eventually got out of the inning with another punchout after a run had scored.
Here’s the ball that hit Bumgarner on the arm and eventually knocked him out of the game pic.twitter.com/i8Ucv7rugk
— Jake Hutchinson (@hutchdiesel) July 7, 2019
Bumgarner descended into the tunnel in between innings but returned for the second frame. While he held the Cardinals scoreless in that inning, MadBum was lifted for Sam Dyson to start the third having thrown 39 pitches despite warming up prior to the frame.
It appears that Bumgarner and the Giants dodged a bullet, as X-rays on his elbow returned negative. Bumgarner was diagnosed with an elbow contusion, according to MLB.com's Maria I. Guardado.
Bumgarner was greeted with a thunderous ovation at Oracle Park prior to the game, as Giants fans are increasingly concerned the former World Series MVP is making his final start for San Francisco, as trade rumors loom.
In recent weeks, the Minnesota Twins and New York Yankees have reportedly shown interest in acquiring Bumgarner prior to this year's July 31 trade deadline. The 29-year-old left-hander is slated to become a free agent following the 2019 season.