Pirates newcomer suffers brutal injury on physical play at the plate

Just hours after being recalled to the big leagues, Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Ronny Simon could soon be headed for an IL stint after suffering a brutal injury on a play at the plate during the eighth inning of Friday's game against the Boston Red Sox.

Pinch running for Andrew McCutchen, who had lined a one-out single to left field, Simon got from first to third on Spencer Horwitz's single. He then appeared to score on Henry Davis' squeeze bunt but was called out by the home plate umpire.

The Pirates quickly challenged the call while Simon lay on the ground, writhing in pain. On his head-first slide into home, it appeared that his left shoulder had made hard contact with the knee of Red Sox catcher Connor Wong.

The Pirates won the challenge, making Simon safe at home and widening their lead over the Red Sox to 4-2. Simon's health remains the primary concern, though; he was able to stand up and walk off while holding his arm, but was still in obvious pain.

The Pirates announced during the ninth inning that Simon had been removed from the game and was being evaluated for a shoulder injury, but no additional details were provided.

Simon had just been recalled by Pittsburgh prior to Friday's game to take the active roster spot of Jack Suwinski, who had been placed on the injured list. Simon had just been optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis just two days earlier to make room for Oneil Cruz, who was coming off the concussion IL.

Brutal Ronny Simon injury casts shadow on Paul Skenes' win for Pirates vs Red Sox

The Pirates' bullpen held the Red Sox scoreless over the final two innings to secure the 4-2 win for Pittsburgh. Staff ace and National League Cy Young frontrunner Paul Skenes pitched seven innings of one-run ball and earned his ninth win of the season, moving him to 9-9 on the year and lowering his ERA to 2.05.

McCutchen led the charge offensively, going 3-for-3 with a walk and an RBI. Tommy Pham also went 1-for-3 with two RBI and a pair of walks in what was otherwise a sensational MLB debut by Red Sox pitching prospect Payton Tolle.

The Pirates will try to take the series Saturday when Johan Oviedo takes the mound against Dustin May. First pitch is set for 4:10 p.m.

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