Major League Baseball players face the risk of all kinds of injuries from the action on the diamond, but some of the most bizarre injuries happen off the field, and without explanation. Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard joined the odd injury club dropped a lead pipe on his toe Saturday, breaking it and ensuring he would miss the teams final four games of the regular season.
Howard seems to be making a habit out season-ending injuries. Fox Sports reported that last season he suffered a torn Achilles’ tendon in his final at bat of the season. That injury delayed his 2012 debut until July.
Rant Sports reports that the lead-pipe-on-the-toe incident brings to an end a fairly disappointing season for Howard. The Phillies’ slugger batted just .219 with 14 home runs and 56 runs batted in. He walked just 25 times and struck out 99 times, which made him just the second player in baseball history to strike out as many as 99 times in 260 or fewer at-bats. Howard played in 71 games this season for the Phillies.
Howard made $20 million this season and is owed $95 million over the next four seasons. The Phillies could also exercise an option for 2017 for $23 million.
The Phillies were officially eliminated from playoff contention Friday night after a 2-1 loss to the Miami Marlins in Miami. Darin Ruf will be Howard’s likely substitute at first base for the remainder of the season.
Why the 2006 National League MVP Howard was carrying a lead pipe, and why he dropped it on his toe were not reported.