SAN FRANCISCO–The Giants got everything they could have asked for out of a home opener at AT&T Park, and maybe even a few things they didn’t. A day that started with sunshine, cheers, and waves from Willie Mays quickly spawned an heir of fear and worry when Buster Posey was hit in the head by a pitch in his first at bat.
Posey came to the plate in the bottom of the first inning with 2 outs and a chance to drive in Denard Span from third. On an 0-1 count Taijuan Walker threw a high and tight 94 mph fastball that struck Posey in the helmet, knocking him to the ground. Head trainer Dave Groeshner and Bruce Bochy were both out of the dugout quickly. Once Posey was on his feet they decided almost instantly to pull him from the game.
“He’s doing okay,” Bochy said after the game. “He’s fine right now. We’ll continue to keep and eye on him tonight, we’ll re-evaluate him tomorrow. Sometimes you’ve just gotta give these things time but he’s doing good, he’s doing fine.”
Posey was evaluated by team doctors at AT&T park for a concussion. “I think more than anything he was hit in the head and he’s a catcher. So now he’s more at risk. If he’s catching and takes a foul tip that puts him at even more risk. We didn’t want to risk that so that’s why we took him out,” Bochy said.
When asked about his status for tomorrow’s game Bochy indicated that there is a good chance Posey will rest but nothing is for sure as of now. Should Posey miss more time Nick Hundley will likely fill in as he’s the only other catcher on the roster. The
Giants do not plan to call up Tim Federowicz from Sacramento right now but he could certainly be an option if Posey is ultimately placed on the disabled list.