SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Chris Coghlan is the latest player to become seriously injured while celebrating.
The Florida Marlins left fielder is headed for the disabled list with a torn meniscus in his left knee and could need surgery.
The reigning NL Rookie of the Year’s injury was revealed in an MRI Monday. He was hurt while delivering a pie in the face to teammate Wes Helms following the pinch-hitter’s bases-loaded single in the 11th inning of a 5-4 win over Atlanta on Sunday. There will be no more such celebratory antics by Florida, manager Edwin Rodriguez said.
“It’s very humbling when the game is taken away and you don’t realize it because you play every day,” Coghlan said. “If you ever get injured you want to do it while you’re out there competing, not when you’re celebrating. Emotions get the best of you, you’re excited. There’s nothing wrong with that but be a little smarter when you’re celebrating a win.”
If Coghlan needs surgery, he said he would likely be sidelined six to eight weeks. Coghlan was batting .268 with five home runs and 28 RBIs.
He was replaced in the lineup for Monday night’s 4-3 win at San Francisco by Emilio Bonifacio. The Marlins planned to call up outfielder Logan Morrison from Triple-A New Orleans on Tuesday.
Earlier this year, the Angels first baseman Kendry Morales was lost to a season-ending broken left leg that he injured leaping onto home plate during a celebration following his game-ending grand slam against Seattle on May 29.
Morales was leading the team with 11 homers, 39 RBIs and a .290 average at the time of the injury.
This is a big blow for the surging Marlins, who with a 4-3 win at San Francisco on Monday night moved over .500 for the first time since June 3. Florida has won eight of 10.
“It’s tough to swallow,” Marlins pitcher Ricky Nolasco said. “He’s a very important part of this team. All we can do is hope for a speedy recovery. It’s just unfortunate something like that happens after your spirits are so high. It’s an unfortunate freak accident that happens.”
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