
Cleveland Indians outfielder Josh Naylor went down with a horrific leg injury during Sunday's game at the Minnesota Twins when he collided with teammate Ernie Clement while chasing a fly ball in the fourth inning.
On Monday, Cleveland confirmed that Naylor has a closed fracture and dislocation of his right ankle and will be evaluated in Cleveland later this week to determine when he can have surgery. While there's no timetable for his return, it's widely assumed he'll miss the rest of the season.
Cleveland manager Terry Francona told reporters shortly after Sunday's 8-2 loss that it was known at the time Naylor was dealing with at least a fracture. The 24-year-old is slashing .253/.301/.399 with seven home runs and 21 RBIs following Sunday's outing.
As The Associated Press (h/t ESPN) reported, this latest setback is a brutal blow for a Cleveland side that was already without ace and reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber, fellow starting pitchers Zach Plesac and Aaron Civale, catcher Roberto Perez and designated hitter and slugger Franmil Reyes because of injuries.
On a positive note, Reyes was hitting bombs for the Triple-A Columbus Clippers over the weekend:
A sight for sore eyes.
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) June 27, 2021
Franmil Reyes is getting back to it.
(via @CLBClippers)pic.twitter.com/x6J57bssix
Cleveland began Monday at 41-33 on the campaign and 2.5 games back of the first-place Chicago White Sox in the American League Central standings.
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