The Toronto Blue Jays’ trying 2026 season received more misfortune on Monday night when promising rookie centre fielder Brett Bateman suffered a hip injury against the Baltimore Orioles.
Bateman made a highlight reel diving catch to end the second inning, but appeared to get his right knee caught in the wet outfield grass at Camden Yards and was in immediate discomfort.
The 24-year-old stayed down for some time before gingerly walking off the field under his own power alongside manager John Schneider and trainers.
The Blue Jays later announced Bateman left the game with right hip discomfort, adding precautionary X-rays came back negative for a fracture.
Following the loss, Schneider told the media Bateman’s right hip is “tender”, but believes he avoided injuring his ankle or knee on the play.
Myles Straw replaced Bateman in the lineup following the injury.
The left-handed hitter has been a sparkplug for the Jays since being acquired from the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline in a deal that saw veteran pitcher Kevin Gausman go the other way.
Bateman made his MLB debut on Aug. 7 and is hitting .322 with two home runs and 11 RBIs alongside an .809 OPS over 37 games with the Blue Jays, serving as Toronto’s leadoff hitter for the majority of the time.
Baltimore all but ended Toronto’s slim playoff hopes on Monday night with a 4-3 victory. The Blue Jays are now 77-80 on the season and sit 3.5 games behind the Chicago White Sox for the final wild-card spot in the American League with just five games remaining.