Hunter Strickland suffered a broken nose during a weightlifting accident on Tuesday.
Strickland was hit in the face by a barbell in the weight room at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Washington Nationals manager Davey Martinez told reporters, via MASN’s Mark Zuckerman.
Strickland reportedly went for X-rays but returned to the park in time for the team’s game. He was described by Zuckerman as having discoloration and swelling on the right side of his face.
Strickland was acquired by the Nats in a trade deadline deal with Seattle. He has allowed just one run in seven innings over eight appearances for his new club. He also said that the injury wouldn’t prevent him from pitching that night if needed.
“Broke nose never killed anyone. We have a playoff push so let’s keep it going @nationals This team is special!
*side note: barbell=1 me=0,” Strickland joked in an Instagram post.
Strickland probably felt some pressure to make himself available to pitch, especially after the example set by one of his teammates earlier this year.
