NEW YORK — Detroit Tigers third baseman Jeimer Candelario exited Sunday’s series finale against the New York Yankees in the bottom of the second inning with a left shoulder injury.
The severity of his injury is unclear.
“I don’t know whether it’s an injured list or not,” manager A.J. Hinch said after Sunday’s 5-4 loss in 10 innings. “I know I don’t want to play short. We’ll have to make a determination in Pittsburgh. Fortunately for us, we have a day off.”
Candelario, 28, hurt his shoulder while playing defense. He lunged for a grounder — hit with an 80.3 mph exit velocity — down the third-base line from Josh Donaldson. The ball deflected off Candelario and rolled into foul territory.
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Shortstop Javier Báez ran into foul territory to retrieve the ball as Donaldson easily reached second base. Candelario stayed on the ground, even after he was met by Hinch and athletic trainer Doug Teter.
Once Candelario stood, he spoke with Hinch and Teter before walking off the field.
“His shoulder, he felt it shift a little bit when he dove and hit the ground,” Hinch said. “He’s got to get a battery of tests. I imagine he’s going to be sore.”
Utility player Harold Castro replaced Candelario at third base, batting sixth in the Tigers’ lineup.
Candelario is hitting .181 with six doubles, two triples, five home runs, 17 RBIs, 11 walks and 47 strikeouts in 52 games this season, to go with a .237 on-base percentage. His homer total is tied with second baseman Jonathan Schoop for the team lead.
In 2021, Candelario hit .271 with an MLB-leading 42 doubles.
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