Cleveland Indians outfielder Josh Naylor suffered what was originally diagnosed as a closed fracture and dislocation of his right ankle in a collision with teammate Ernie Clement during Sunday's game at the Minnesota Twins.
Per Mandy Bell of the club's website, Naylor is scheduled to have surgery Friday.
According to Bell, Cleveland Clinic foot and ankle specialist Dr. Mark Berkowitz confirmed Naylor is dealing with multiple fibula fractures and torn ligaments that will require him to go under the knife. The Associated Press (h/t ESPN) notes Naylor will likely miss at least the rest of the 2021 season, and there won't be any timeline for his return until after Friday's procedure.
Naylor's injury and subsequent reaction to the incident caused the in-ballpark camera crew to focus mainly on the faces of other Cleveland players, many of whom were visibly disturbed by what they witnessed and heard. Clement later said Naylor encouraged him to push forward.
"He just told me to play my heart out."
— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) June 29, 2021
Ernie Clement recounts Josh Naylor's encouraging message that meant the world to him.#OurCLE pic.twitter.com/fsxe9dJ8Et
Naylor, 24, was slashing .253/.301/.399 with seven home runs and 21 RBI on the season.
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