The Cincinnati Reds announced center fielder Billy Hamilton exited Monday’s game against the Miami Marlins after suffering a right knee contusion. It’s unclear when he will return.
Continue for updates.
Hamilton Out vs. Marlins
Tuesday, Aug. 16
Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reported Hamilton will not be in the starting lineup against the Miami Marlins on Tuesday.
Hamilton One of MLB’s Most Dangerous Base Stealers When Healthy
Injuries have been a problem for Hamilton in 2015 and 2016. He played in just 114 games a year ago, and a couple of issues have limited his playing time this year. A thumb injury dogged the 25-year-old in the spring, and then he suffered a concussion while sliding into third base in a June 8 game against the St. Louis Cardinals.
It looked as though Hamilton was headed for the disabled list again June 29 after an Anthony Rizzo fly ball deflected off the glove of teammate Adam Duvall and into his head:
While durability remains a concern for Hamilton, he has shown improvement at the plate from a year ago. His average has climbed from .226 in 2015 to .264 in 2016. His on-base percentage (.318) also represents an improvement from last year (.274).
In addition, few players in the league can go from second base to home plate on a passed ball:
This is a lost season for the Reds, who have committed to a long-term rebuild. In that sense, losing Hamilton—even for a prolonged stretch of games—won’t affect Cincinnati much. Manager Bryan Price will likely look to Tyler Holt to replace him in center field until Hamilton is healthy enough to return.
However, the timing of the injury is a bummer considering the progress Hamilton has shown of late.
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com