Pirates' Hunter Stratton injured, carted off PNC Park in violent backstop collision

Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Hunter Stratton was carted off the field in the fourth inning of Saturday’s game vs. Cincinnati at PNC Parkfollowing a violent collision at the backstop stone wall.

Following the game, the Pirates announced Stratton suffered a left knee patella tendon rupture and is currently being examined by team doctors to determine the severity of the injury.

“He’s getting an MRI right now, but it did not look good,” manager Derek Shelton said after the loss. “I would say this is going to be significant time (out).”

Stratton, relieving starter Jake Woodford with runners on second and third during the top of the fourth, made a wild pitch to catcher Joey Bart, allowing Jonathan India to score.

Bart, retrieving the ball, tried to flip to Stratton at home plate, but it bounced off his glove.

Stratton then raced to the backstop in attempt to recover the ball and nab Elly De La Cruz, who ultimately scored from second base, at home.

But Stratton fell awkwardly into the unpadded, stone backstop, going down visibly in pain.

He remained lying on the ground as several Pirates medical officials, including assistant trainer Tony Leo, attended to him.

Stratton eventually got up with assistance before being taken away.