Houston Astros first baseman Christian Walker made his return to the starting lineup Sunday, batting fourth in the series finale against Boston just one day after suffering a frightening beaning that destroyed his protective helmet.
The scary incident occurred Saturday when Red Sox rookie pitcher Tyler Samaniego’s 93.3 mph fastball struck Walker above his left eye during a two-strike count. The impact was so severe it shattered Walker’s helmet, with the largest fragment launching 10 feet toward the backstop.
Houston held a 6-3 advantage in the ninth inning when team officials decided to substitute Walker with pinch runner Brandon Shewmake as a safety precaution following the incident.
Speaking to media members following Saturday’s game, Walker expressed optimism about his condition. “I feel OK,” Walker said. “I think the helmet took most of it. And turning away from it hopefully made it more of a glancing blow than straight impact.”
Walker’s presence in Sunday’s cleanup position demonstrates his readiness to continue his remarkable season. The veteran has participated in every contest this year for Houston, earning starts in all but one game, and the 35-year-old is posting the finest statistical performance of his career.
Walker is currently hitting .309 with a .386 on-base percentage and .577 slugging percentage, all personal bests. Through 34 games, he has contributed eight home runs and 26 RBIs, putting him on track for career-high totals of 38 homers and 124 RBIs.
