Cardinals Nolan Arenado latest victim of WBC injury scare after HBP (Video)

Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado became the latest player at the World Baseball Classic to face an injury scare after being hit by a pitch.

Julius Caesar was famously warned to “beware the ides of March.” Batters at the World Baseball Classic this March have had to beware more than just the ides. It’s being hit by a pitch that’s done the real damage.

On Saturday, Astros second baseman Jose Altuve broke his thumb after being hit by a pitch while facing the United States for Venezuela.

Then on Sunday, it was Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado who found himself in a similar situation when he was struck on the hand by a pitch while playing for Team USA against Cuba.

Fortuantely for fans in St. Louis, the prognosis for Arenado was much more positive than it was for Altuve. According to Ken Rosenthal, x-rays were negative.

Nolan Arenado hit by pitch at WBC, but avoided major injury

It’s great to hear that Arenado was largely okay after being struck. It was bad enough finding out that Mets pitcher Edwin Diaz will miss the entire 2023 season and Altuve will likely be out for two months because of injuries they suffered at the WBC.

The biggest critique of the tournament has been around injuries. Two World Series hopefuls have had their MLB seasons potentially altered by injuries suffered in a tournament some have deemed an unnecessary risk.

However, players and fans across the globe seem to be taking the competition seriously, making the accusations that it’s “meaningless” somewhat void. Players on Team USA have also defended the tournament from criticism over the injuries suffered. Afterall, other MLB players have suffered injuries at spring training. Injuries happen.

Fortunately, it doesn’t look like the Cardinals need to enter that particular debate. Arenado appears to be fine.