The reigning World Series champions are making another run for the Fall Classic. 2023 has been a mostly good season for the Houston Astros with especially good offensive production. With the reacquisition of star pitcher Justin Verlander, the team has strengthened its defense too. But they’re still not safe from the one thing that no athlete wants – an injury.

Playing against their divisional rivals, the Astros defeated the Texas Rangers with an overwhelming score of 13-6 yesterday. While their last series didn’t go so well as the New York Yankees made an unlikely sweep, the Houston team will not bow down to Texas. But while the Astros may be doing better in 2023 than the Rangers, a recent injury is likely to be a cause for concern.

Ryne Stanek Painfully Injures Ankle on Third Base

It was an injury that was not supposed to happen. This year, the league has focused on enlarging the bases to prevent accidents but it wasn’t effective enough. Astros reliever Ryne Stanek was trying to cover first base in the ninth inning when he landed awkwardly on his right foot. He took a step back and then one to the left, before collapsing to the ground, clutching his leg in pain.

Stanek had been running to first base after receiving a ball from Jose Abreu off of Rangers outfielder Leody Taveras’ bat. But as it seemed like things ended in tragedy, trainers rushed to the scene immediately. Manager Dusty Baker was right with them as medical professionals examined Stanek and then led him off the field on a medical cart.

“I mean… it was ugly. You couldn’t really tell what happened, he had a late break over there…The big bases, that’s the first time I’ve seen it hurt,” Baker said afterward. “I’m just hoping that nothing’s broken or nothing structurally wrong with it. We will have to see.”

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Although Stanek has been something of an unpopular figure in Houston this year, fans still sympathized with him. Ever since joining the club in 2021, the pitcher has been an indispensable part of the lineup. While he got some heat for arguing a balk call with an umpire in June, Stanek still seems to be receiving support.

Houston Astros Fans Sympathize With Stanek

While the last two years have seen the reliever play good baseball, he has slowed down a bit in 2023. After going on the bereavement list earlier this season, Houston sent him best wishes. Now as he recovers from this latest injury, most are hoping “he’s okay”.

One sent prayers for a “speedy recovery”.

One thought it spelled trouble for their “playoff run”.

One fan, presumably from an opposing team, laughed at the situation.

But most wished he would get better soon.

This is the last stretch of the regular season, where pitchers are needed most. Let’s hope Ryne Stanek recovers quickly and makes a strong comeback.

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