Final Update: Bryan De La Cruz missed the Toros game the day after being hit by the pitch, but returned to play the following day and continues to be in the lineup.

The Phillies signed veteran outfielder Bryan De La Cruz as a free agent back on November 6th. The Phillies gave the 29-year-old a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training to battle for a bench spot in spring training. Injuries are no stranger to De La Cruz who missed considerable time with an oblique injury last season and also battled an elbow injury earlier in his career after being hit by a pitch.

The latest incident occurred Wednesday. De La Cruz is playing for Toros del Este in the Dominican Winter League and left the game after being hit by a pitch. The pitch appeared to hit De La Cruz in the lower left part of the abdomen. He went down holding his left side and was aided by a trainer. There is no word on the extent of the injury.

This is De La Cruz’ sixth season with the Toros and he has played in more games this season (40) than in any other season that he has been with the team. Part of that is to make up for the plate appearances he missed with the oblique injury. Through those 40 games, De La Cruz is batting: 7-37-.296/.364/.507/.871 with 4 stolen bases in 4 attempts.

De La Cruz spent several years climbing the ranks of the Astros’ system, eventually breaking out in 2021 with the Triple-A Sugar Land Skeeters. That season, he posted career-best numbers including a .324 batting average and a .518 slugging percentage, along with 12 home runs. His improved swing mechanics and ability to elevate the ball helped him stand out, and he was traded midseason to the Miami Marlins in exchange for reliever Yimi Garcia. After the trade, he immediately earned a starting role in Miami and impressed with a .296 average and .783 OPS over 58 games.

Thanks to @PhilsTailgate for posting the video of the hit by pitch.

THE READ-IN: Veteran OF Signs Minor League Deal with the Phillies

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