During the fourth inning of Thursday’s playoff game against the Rangers, Josh Donaldson collided with Rougned Odor while trying to break up a double play at second base (video here). As a precautionary measure, the frontrunner for the American League MVP Award exited the game and underwent tests for a possible concussion.
Thankfully, Donaldson passed the administered tests and is expected to be able to play in Game 2 of the division series on Friday. While most would agree removing Donaldson from the game was the right thing to do, Pete Rose is not in that group.
Rose, now an analyst for FOX Sports 1, blasted the Blue Jays third baseman for coming out for being a little “lightheaded.”
Here’s Pete Rose’s complete quote calling out #BlueJays Josh Donaldson and Jose Bautista for leaving Game 1. pic.twitter.com/TlhKCqceSb
— Big League Stew (@bigleaguestew) October 8, 2015
It goes without saying that despite Rose being one of the great players in baseball history, his comments here are pretty ridiculous. Given the increased information available on the effects of head injuries, teams being cautious with players receiving blows to head has become the norm, and justifiably so.
It’s quite possible Rose (or anyone else from his era) would have continued to play. Rose was viewed by many as a “gamer” and someone would be out on the field no matter what. But that was then and this is 2015. Times are different. Hopefully, one day Pete Rose will catch up.
