Astros fans can relax, the Athletics didn’t injure Michael Brantley

Astros outfielder Michael Brantley is reportedly fine after taking a pitch to the wrist Saturday.

The Houston Astros are off to an ideal start in 2021. They have won three straight over the Oakland A’s to open the season and have scored at least eight runs in all three games. The A’s, meanwhile, have seven total runs.

But the good start featured a scary moment Saturday in the top of the first inning. Outfielder Michael Brantley took a pitch to the wrist and was clearly in a lot of pain. He ended up leaving the game and fans may have assumed the worst.

News came out later in the day that Brantley is doing just fine. He may just have a nasty bruise or two.

Michael Brantley avoids serious injury in Astros win

The moment itself was not a great one. Brantley took the pitch to the wrist and the Oakland crowd cheered as he tried to deal with the pain. Booing the Astros is one thing, but this is a bit much.

This news should allow Astros fans to relax and enjoy what has been the best possible start to the season. Losing Brantley would have been a huge blow and now he may just miss a day or two of action.

Brantley had three hits on Thursday and added another three Friday. He is easily the best pure hitting in that Houston lineup and should continue to hold that title once the bruising goes down and his wrist feels better.

The Astros and A’s finish their season-opening four-game series Sunday. Fans in Oakland may end up booing their own team if things don’t turn around soon.