Stroman: Pillar asked if he was in lineup day after HBP to face
Warning: Video contains graphic content
In case you didn't already know, Kevin Pillar is one tough customer.
One day after being hit in the nose by a 94-mph fastball, the New York Mets outfielder apparently entered the team's clubhouse Tuesday asking if he was playing against the Atlanta Braves despite suffering multiple nasal fractures.
My dawg @KPILLAR4 just walked in the clubhouse and goes “Am I in the lineup today or what?” What a WARRIOR! About to get my man the Rip Hamilton face mask for future competition. Lol KP is a LEGEND!
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) May 18, 2021
Pillar spoke with media Tuesday afternoon sporting a pair of shiners to go along with his bruised and battered nose.
Kevin Pillar: "My face will heal, but my heart is broken right now because this team is hurting" pic.twitter.com/MxRc7py8Fo
— SNY (@SNYtv) May 18, 2021
"I was sad," Pillar said. "It wasn't so much about the pain, it was just about the fact that this team has gone through a lot and, like I said, I pride myself on being available."
He added: "My face will heal, but my heart's broken right now because this team's hurting right now."
Braves manager Brian Snitker says he texted Pillar on Tuesday to see how he was doing.
"If I could see out of my right eye, I'd be in there today," Pillar apparently responded.
Brian Snitker texted Kevin Pillar after last night's incident. Pillar's response?
— SNY (@SNYtv) May 18, 2021
"If I could see out of my right eye, I'd be in there today" pic.twitter.com/gpE3xAoFlZ
The Mets placed Pillar on the 10-day injured list Tuesday. He crumpled to the ground with blood gushing from his nose after being hit by the pitch Monday. However, Pillar eventually left the field under his own power.
(Video courtesy: MLB.com)
Pillar is without a timetable for his return.
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