Taiwanese Tigers Prospect Injured as MLB Record Nears

Li Hao-yu's pursuit of Taiwan's Major League Baseball records was interrupted by a painful collision at home plate, but the Detroit Tigers said the injury did not involve a fracture.

Li drove in a run in the third inning against Cleveland, hitting a misplayed cutter from left-hander Foster Griffin through the middle to put Detroit ahead 1-0. Later in the inning, he collided heavily with Guardians catcher Austin Hedges during a play at the plate. Li appeared to be in considerable pain and left with help from trainers.

Tigers manager AJ Hinch said Li initially thought he had hurt his ankle, but examinations located the injury in his lower leg. "That really scared us. When we ran over to see him, Li said his ankle was injured, but the examination showed it was his lower leg. We were lucky it wasn't his ankle. He is moving much better now, but I know it really scared him," Hinch said. Li will be monitored day to day.

The injury came as Li neared several milestones. He has driven in 37 runs this season, three short of the Taiwanese MLB record of 39 set by Chang Yu-cheng. His 68 hits also rank third among Asian players aged 23 or younger in a season. With 21 regular-season games remaining, he is within reach of the 77-hit mark set by South Korea's Bae Ji-hwan in 2023. Taiwanese fans are now watching to see whether Li can return in time to chase the records.

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That really scared us. When we ran over to see him, Li said his ankle was injured, but the examination showed it was his lower leg. We were lucky it wasn't his ankle. He is moving much better now, but I know it really scared him.