2020 AL MVP José Abreu was hit by a pitch twice in the Chicago White Sox’s 6-4 win over the Cleveland Indians on Friday night, and the second time was a very scary moment. Abreu was hit by in the head by a 96 mph fastball from James Karinchak in the bottom of the eighth inning, and proceeded to roll around on the ground before looking dazed when being helped up.
And White Sox manager Tony La Russa was quite livid. La Russa ran onto the field – showing off the speed — and confronted Cleveland catcher Roberto Perez while Abreu was down on the ground. Benches cleared and La Russa had to be held back.
James Karinchak hits Jose Abreu in the head with a pitch and benches clear after Tony LaRussa charges at Indians catcher Roberto Perez for trying to help Abreu pic.twitter.com/OM7UbKT7Zj
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) July 31, 2021
Tony La Russa after Jose Abreu got hit pic.twitter.com/1N82Pju5vS
— Justin Groc (@jgroc) July 31, 2021
— Justin Groc (@jgroc) July 31, 2021
Lance Lynn wearing a #FREEBRITNEY shirt, praised Tony La Russa for running out there for José Abreu
“He was high-kneeing his ass off" pic.twitter.com/KZEACXrxav
— James Fegan (@JRFegan) July 31, 2021
Abreu stayed in the game. By Karinchak’s reaction, it would seem that the pitch was not at all intentional, and he even hugged Abreu as the slugger made it to first base.
James Karinchak apologizes and hugs Jose Abreu after hitting him with a 96 MPH fastball in the helmet. pic.twitter.com/vAvFlt1mev
— Major League GIFs (@MajorLeagueGIFs) July 31, 2021
Additionally, La Russa claims he told Perez that he didn’t think the pitch was intentional.
La Russa said he told Perez he knew the pitch that hit Abreu was not intentional. He said Karinchak is a good pitcher, but his control was clearly not there today.
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) July 31, 2021
Hopefully Abreu is okay and we can just focus on laughing at La Russa’s running style.
And this capped off an eventful day for the White Sox, who acquired star closer Craig Kimbrel from the Chicago Cubs.
