Kyle Lewis is a rising star in Major League Baseball, having won the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 2020. However, his promising career was put on hold after suffering a concussion on May 29, 2021, in a game against the Houston Astros.
This injury left Lewis out of commission for several months, and its impact was felt not only by him but also by his team, the Seattle Mariners.
In this blog, we will explore how Kyle Lewis was injured, the impact of his injury, and the measures in place to prevent sports injuries like his. We will also take a closer look at Lewis’ recovery journey and his return to the game.
The Incident
The Game
The incident happened on May 29, 2021, during a game between the Seattle Mariners and the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas. The Mariners were in the field, and Kyle Lewis was playing center field.
The Pitch
In the fourth inning, Astros’ right-handed pitcher José Urquidy threw a 76.9 MPH slider towards Lewis, who swung and missed the pitch. However, the ball hit Lewis on his left shoulder and ricocheted up, hitting him under his ear as his helmet fell off.
The Hit
Lewis fell to the ground immediately after being hit and was attended to by the Mariners’ medical staff. He was able to walk off the field with assistance but was taken out of the game and diagnosed with a concussion.
The Aftermath
After the game, Lewis was placed on the 10-day injured list, and it was later revealed that he had suffered a concussion. He underwent treatment and rehabilitation for several weeks, and it was announced that he would be out indefinitely.
This injury forced Lewis to miss a significant amount of time during the 2021 season and caused him to miss out on some crucial playing time that could have helped his development as a young player.
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when the head or body receives a sudden jolt, causing the brain to move rapidly back and forth inside the skull. This movement can cause damage to the brain cells, which can lead to a variety of symptoms.
Causes
Concussions are often caused by a blow or jolt to the head or body, such as what happened to Kyle Lewis when he was hit by the pitch. Other common causes include falls, car accidents, and sports-related injuries. Any activity that involves contact or potential impact can cause a concussion.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a concussion can vary depending on the severity of the injury, but common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory loss, sensitivity to light or noise, and mood changes. Some people may also experience nausea, vomiting, or difficulty sleeping.
Treatment
The treatment for a concussion typically involves rest and avoiding activities that can worsen the symptoms, such as exercise or screens. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage the symptoms, and cognitive or physical therapy may be recommended to help the person recover.
It’s important for anyone who has suffered a concussion to seek medical attention and follow the recommended treatment plan to ensure proper healing and avoid long-term complications.
The Impact of Kyle Lewis’ Injury
Lewis’ Performance Before the Injury
Before his injury, Kyle Lewis was having a solid season for the Seattle Mariners. He was batting .246 with five home runs and 11 RBI in 36 games. He was also playing solid defense in center field and was a key contributor to the team’s success.
Lewis’ Absence From the Team
Lewis’ injury forced him to miss a significant amount of playing time during the 2021 season. He was placed on the 10-day injured list after the incident and underwent treatment and rehabilitation for several weeks.
He was eventually moved to the 60-day injured list, and it was announced that he would be out indefinitely.
Lewis’ absence from the team was felt both on and off the field. He was a young and talented player who was expected to play a big role in the team’s future success, and his injury was a setback for the Mariners.
Additionally, Lewis’ absence may have had an impact on team morale, as players and fans alike were undoubtedly disappointed to see him sidelined.
Mariners’ Record After Lewis’ Injury
After Lewis’ injury, the Mariners struggled to maintain their early-season success. They finished the season with a record of 90-72, which was good enough for third place in the American League West division.
While it’s impossible to say how much of an impact Lewis’ absence had on the team’s performance, it’s clear that losing a talented player like him was a blow to the team’s overall strength and depth.
Prevention and Safety Measures
Mlb Rules on Protective Gear
Major League Baseball (MLB) has implemented several rules and regulations related to protective gear for players to prevent injuries. One of the most important rules is that all players must wear helmets while batting, running the bases, and playing in the field.
Additionally, catchers are required to wear protective gear, including helmets, chest protectors, and shin guards. Umpires are also required to wear protective gear, including helmets and chest protectors.
Other Sports’ Protocols
Other sports have also implemented safety protocols and protective gear to prevent injuries. For example, in football, players are required to wear helmets and pads to protect themselves from impact during tackles and collisions.
In hockey, players wear helmets, face masks, and other protective gear to prevent injuries from pucks and sticks. Similar protective gear is used in sports like lacrosse, rugby, and other contact sports.
The Responsibility of Athletes to Prioritize Safety
While rules and regulations related to protective gear can help prevent injuries, it’s also important for athletes to take responsibility for their own safety. This includes things like maintaining proper conditioning, staying hydrated, and following proper technique during play.
Athletes should also report any injuries or symptoms of injury to medical staff and follow recommended treatment plans to ensure proper healing and recovery.
It’s important for athletes to prioritize their own safety, as well as the safety of their teammates and opponents, to prevent injuries and promote long-term health and success.
The Road to Recovery
Steps to Recovery
The road to recovery for a concussion can vary depending on the severity of the injury, but generally involves several steps.
These steps may include rest and avoiding activities that can worsen the symptoms, medication to manage symptoms such as headaches or dizziness, cognitive or physical therapy to help the person recover, and a gradual return to normal activities.
It’s important for anyone who has suffered a concussion to seek medical attention and follow the recommended treatment plan to ensure proper healing and avoid long-term complications.
Lewis’ Recovery Timeline
The exact timeline of Kyle Lewis’ recovery from his concussion is not known, as the Mariners did not release detailed updates on his condition.
However, it was announced in early June that he had been moved to the 60-day injured list, indicating that his recovery was expected to take several weeks or even months.
Lewis’ Return to the Game
After several weeks of rehabilitation and recovery, Kyle Lewis was finally able to return to the field in late July. He played in 36 more games for the Mariners during the 2021 season, batting .242 with two home runs and 12 RBI.
While his performance was not as strong as it had been prior to the injury, Lewis’ return was a welcome sight for Mariners fans, and he is expected to be a key player for the team in the future.
Kyle Lewis’ Batting Statistics Before and After Injury
| Statistic | Before Injury (Through May 28) | After Injury (July 29-End of Season) |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 36 | 36 |
| At Bats | 134 | 118 |
| Hits | 33 | 27 |
| Home Runs | 4 | 2 |
| RBI | 21 | 12 |
| Batting Average | .246 | .229 |
This table shows Kyle Lewis’ batting statistics before and after his injury. Before the injury, Lewis had played in 36 games and had a batting average of .246 with four home runs and 21 RBI.
After the injury, Lewis played in an additional 36 games but saw a decline in his performance, with a batting average of .229, two home runs, and 12 RBI.
The table highlights the impact that Lewis’ injury had on his performance during the 2021 season.
FAQs
How long was Kyle Lewis out with the concussion?
Kyle Lewis was out with the concussion for several weeks or even months. He was moved to the 60-day injured list in early June and did not return to the field until late July.
Did José Urquidy face any consequences for the pitch that caused Kyle Lewis’ injury?
There were no reports of disciplinary action taken against José Urquidy for the pitch that caused Kyle Lewis’ injury. The incident was considered an unfortunate accident that is not uncommon in baseball.
Did Kyle Lewis suffer any long-term effects from the concussion?
There is no information available to suggest that Kyle Lewis suffered any long-term effects from the concussion. However, concussions can have serious long-term effects if not treated properly, so it’s important for anyone who has suffered a concussion to seek medical attention and follow the recommended treatment plan.
Was Kyle Lewis able to participate in any baseball-related activities during his recovery?
It is not known if Kyle Lewis was able to participate in any baseball-related activities during his recovery. However, it’s likely that he was advised to avoid any activities that could worsen his symptoms and delay his recovery.
Did Kyle Lewis’ injury have any impact on the Mariners’ roster moves during the 2021 season?
There is no information available to suggest that Kyle Lewis’ injury had any impact on the Mariners’ roster moves during the 2021 season. However, injuries to key players can often influence a team’s decisions about trades, call-ups, and other roster moves.
Conclusion
The injury sustained by Kyle Lewis during the May 29 game was a concussion caused by a 76.9 MPH slider from José Urquidy that initially hit his left shoulder and ricocheted up and under his ear after his helmet fell off.
A concussion is a serious injury that can have long-term effects if not treated properly. It’s important for athletes to take steps to prevent injuries, such as wearing protective gear and following proper technique during play, and to prioritize their own safety and that of their teammates and opponents.
Kyle Lewis’ absence from the Mariners after the injury was felt both on and off the field, and the team struggled to maintain their early-season success.
Lewis’ return to the field in late July was a welcome sight, and while his performance was not as strong as it had been prior to the injury, he is expected to be a key player for the team in the future.
Overall, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety in sports and the need for proper protocols and procedures to prevent injuries and promote long-term health and success for athletes.
