Pirates RHP Hunter Stratton carted off with apparent knee injury

Field Level Media|published: 08/24/2024, 8:37pm EDT

Aug 22, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Hunter Stratton (63) pitches against the Cincinnati Reds during the ninth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh Pirates right-handed reliever Hunter Stratton suffered an apparent left knee injury and was carted off the field during Saturday night's game against the visiting Cincinnati Reds.

In relief of starter Jake Woodford in the fourth inning, Stratton was facing his first batter, Tyler Stephenson, with the bases loaded. Stratton uncorked a wild pitch, allowing Jonathan India to score from third. On the play, Elly De La Cruz also scored from second to give the Reds an 8-2 lead as Stratton missed the flip from catcher Joey Bart. He chased the ball to the backstop but fell awkwardly trying to retrieve it, clutching his left leg.

Stratton was charged with an error on the play.

Jalen Beeks replaced Stratton and retired the next two batters to end the inning.

Stratton, 27, is 2-1 with a 3.58 ERA in 36 relief appearances this season.

--Field Level Media