Rangers pitcher Tanner Scheppers attacked in Cleveland

Jul 3, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers relief pitcher Tanner Scheppers (52) throws a pitch in the eighth inning of the game against the Seattle Mariners at the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Seattle beat Texas 4-2 in ten innings. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

In a highly bizarre story, Texas Rangers relief pitcher Tanner Scheppers fell victim to a random attack while in Cleveland this week. Scheppers incurred facial bruising as a result of a sucker punch attack while walking down the street, and his injuries were visible to the reporter assembly prior to Saturday night’s game with the Indians.

Scheppers quote of, “I’m just lucky nothing serious happened,” rings true in this case, but it does remind the general public that professional athletes can sometimes be ordinary citizens.

The 26-year-old right hander is enjoying big-time success this season in a Rangers uniform. He was chosen to appear on the “final vote” ballot for the All-Star game, and with good reason. For the year, Scheppers has a sparkling 1.74 ERA over 46.2 innings of relief work. While the peripherals indicate that will crash to the “regression monster” soon (xFIP of 4.13), you have to feel for a guy who sustains this type of injury/attack while performing at his top level.

In the end, it appears as if he is okay, and that his unavailability for Friday night was the end of the discussion concerning actual injuries. However, it is important to remember that this type of thing can happen, and not even the rich and famous are immune.

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