Athletics third baseman Matt Chapman was taken out of Wednesday night’s game against the Royals after being hit in the head by a Jakob Junis fastball in the first inning. Chapman initially stayed in the game, even batting a second time the next inning, but did not take his position for the bottom of the second inning. Chad Pinder replaced him at third base.
Chapman was 0-for-1 with the HBP. The All-Star is batting .259/.344/.528 with 30 home runs, 74 RBI, and 85 runs scored in 550 plate appearances this season. Along with his Gold Glove-caliber defense, he is vitally important to the Wild Card-hopeful Athletics. The A’s entered Wednesday’s action holding the second AL Wild Card by a game over the Rays.
The club should provide an update on Chapman’s status later tonight or tomorrow as he goes through concussion protocol. He could wind up on the seven-day concussion injured list.