Here’s one that will make Tobey Maguire do a double take.
Newly acquired Indians infielder Chris Johnson was forced out of the lineup on Saturday and Sunday against the Minnesota Twins. The culprit for Johnson’s sudden absence? A suspected bite from a spider.
According to a weekend report by the Associated Press, Johnson awoke at the team hotel on Saturday in Minneapolis with a small bug bite on his left hand, possibly from a spider. The 30-year-old got the hand checked out at the stadium shortly thereafter, but it swelled up on him on Sunday and he had to go to a local hospital for treatment. Now, Johnson reportedly has his now-infected hand wrapped and is on antibiotics, with the prospect of more missed games a very real possibility.
Johnson was acquired from the Braves on August 7 in exchange for Michael Bourn, Nick Swisher, and cash considerations. The versatile infielder is hitting .429 with three extra-base hits in six appearances for Cleveland so far.
The Indians’ official Twitter account (along with their fanbase) is already having some fun with the idea that the spider might have been radioactive and that Johnson could soon be turning into your friendly neighborhood Spiderman.
Tough loss today.
Let's have some fun: We'll RT your best Chris Johnson/Spider-Man photoshops/memes.
Go. https://t.co/EHWIIakwo5
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) August 16, 2015
@Indians pic.twitter.com/7di69uJqWW
— Anthony DiPiero (@AnthonyDiPiero7) August 16, 2015
@Indians pic.twitter.com/qorA0TlD7p
— Clay Johnson (@clay_johnson18) August 16, 2015
We asked for your best Johnson/Spiderman photoshops, and you didn't disappoint!
Gallery >> http://t.co/kzQ5zBruMJ pic.twitter.com/2S2VAkZC08
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) August 17, 2015
@Indians pic.twitter.com/yo6XB4qlrp
— Dan Armelli (@dano708) August 16, 2015
Congrats to @dano708, our contest winner — we'll send you a Kip bobblehead. http://t.co/3MDOBd8ZBH pic.twitter.com/DF5EOwx3qK
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) August 17, 2015
No word on when Johnson will return to the lineup, but when he does, he better perform well. For with great power comes great responsibility.
Yet another well-deserving addition to our vastly expanding collection of weird sports injuries here at LBS.
H/T HardballTalk
Image Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
