WATCH: Jose Lobaton injured on hectic final play against Brewers |
MILWAUKEE — The Chicago Cubs' 2-1 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers ended in dramatic fashion on Tuesday, with Cubs catcher Jose Lobaton, who was pinch hitting, suffering an injury on a close call at first base on the final play. With two outs and runners on first and second, Lobaton hit a grounder to first, and Hader raced to cover the bag, resulting in a hectic ending at American Family Field.
Brewers closer Josh Hader, who has not blown a save all year, struck out center fielder Jake Marisnick before giving up a single to left fielder Joc Pederson and walking catcher Willson Contreras in the top of the ninth. Hader then struck out shortstop Javier Baez for the second out, bringing Lobaton to the plate. Lobaton hit a ground ball that first baseman Jace Peterson fielded and tossed to a charging Hader, who seemed to step over the bag when attempting to record the putout. Hader then dived toward first base and touched it with his glove just before Lobaton arrived. Unfortunately, Lobaton tripped over Hader and appeared to injure his right shoulder by attempting to brace his fall. The veteran catcher remained on the ground in pain as the umpires reviewed the play. After the out call was upheld, thus ending the game, Lobaton walked off the field while holding his right arm and grimacing. Josh Hader picks up another save but not without some dramatics as this crazy play to end it leaves Cubs catcher José Lobatón injured pic.twitter.com/XmdFgzt8Tr
Aside from Contreras, who starts at catcher, Lobaton is the only backstop currently on the Cubs' active roster. With backup catchers P.J. Higgins and Austin Romine currently on the injured list, losing Lobaton would be far from ideal for the Cubs, to say the least. Manager David Ross said after the game that Lobaton was set to undergo X-rays in order to determine the specifics of the injury. David Ross on Cubs C José Lobatón, who was injured on final play of Tuesday night's game:
“Landed on his shoulder. They’ll get some X-rays. I know it’s pretty serious. He was in some real pain.”
