Padres star Luis Arraez breaks his silence from hospital bed after sickening collision left him out cold

San Diego Padres’ Luis Arraez Provides Positive Health Update After Scary Collision

Reigning National League batting champion Luis Arraez offered an encouraging health update from the hospital following a frightening collision on the field in Houston on Sunday. The San Diego Padres star was carted off the field after being injured during a play at Minute Maid Park.

Arraez Reassures Fans After On-Field Incident

The 28-year-old Padres infielder, a native of San Felipe, Venezuela, eased concerns among fans via an Instagram post, indicating his intention to rejoin the team on Monday.

‘Dear fans and everyone concerned about me,’ Arraez wrote in his social media message, presented in both English and Spanish. ‘As you witnessed, I had to exit tonight’s game via stretcher after a play at first base. I was transported to Houston Methodist Hospital for evaluations. Thankfully, there is nothing to seriously worry about. I am currently resting and anticipate being back with the team this Monday.’

Details of the Collision at Minute Maid Park

The incident occurred when Arraez collided with Houston Astros second baseman Mauricio Dubón while laying down a bunt along the first-base line on Sunday. As Houston first baseman Christian Walker approached to field the ball, Dubón moved to cover first base, resulting in the collision.

Dubón secured the out but quickly noticed Arraez was unresponsive. Both Dubón and first base coach David Macias immediately attended to Arraez, who was lying on the ground. Team trainers rushed to provide medical attention while manager Mike Shildt and outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. anxiously watched.

Play was halted for approximately 10 minutes as medical personnel carefully moved Arraez onto a cart and transported him to a nearby hospital for further assessment.

Arraez Expresses Gratitude

‘I sincerely appreciate all of your prayers and kind messages,’ Arraez added in his message. ‘I want to express my gratitude to the medical and paramedic teams of both the Padres and the Astros, as well as the hospital staff who cared for me. Most importantly, I thank God for his protection—I am now recovering well.’

Manager Shildt Offers Cautious Optimism Regarding Arraez’s Condition

Despite Arraez’s positive update, manager Mike Shildt conveyed a note of caution when speaking to reporters on Sunday evening.

‘It was obviously a very scary situation,’ Shildt stated. ‘We believe he is largely out of danger. Time will provide more clarity, but initial evaluations are encouraging. There are no fractures. He did sustain a minor laceration on his jawline, prompting concern for his jaw and cervical spine. Initial tests in those areas were clear and stable.’

‘We have experienced instances where initial tests were misleading, so we remain cautiously optimistic,’ he continued. ‘He did experience a period of disorientation, which is concerning. He is now regaining his awareness, and initial concussion testing was favorable, but we are not completely out of the woods yet. Considering everything, it’s a positive outcome.’

Dubón Reflects on Accidental Nature of Collision

Dubón, a former Gold Glove recipient, appeared to misstep on the base during the play, potentially contributing to the collision. Instead of placing his cleat on the inside section of the base, Dubón inadvertently stepped on the center of the bag just as Arraez arrived.

‘It was frightening,’ Dubón recounted. ‘Just seeing him motionless was scary. Especially knowing the type of player I am. I am not a player who engages in dirty plays or anything of that nature. So it’s unfortunate.’

Dubón Reports Receiving Threats After Incident

Despite the accidental nature of the collision, Dubón disclosed that he has since received death threats.

‘The worst aspect is receiving death threats as a result of incidents like this,’ he told reporters. ‘So, it will be an unpleasant journey home.’

He further asserted that he could not have prevented the collision.

‘It’s unfortunate that the play resulted in his injury,’ Dubón said. ‘As I mentioned earlier, there was nothing I could have done. I braced for impact and anticipated I would bear the brunt of it. I am not a large individual.’

Arraez’s Baseball Career and Family

Luis Arraez, a three-time batting titleholder with three different teams in the past three seasons, transitioned from second baseman and now splits his playing time between first base and designated hitter for the San Diego Padres.

According to his Instagram account, Arraez and his wife Gladys are parents to three daughters: Emma, Esther, and Esthela.