Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Cody Ponce was transported off the field via cart Monday evening after sustaining what appeared to be a right leg injury during his debut with the team.
The incident occurred in the third inning as Ponce attempted to field a grounder during Toronto’s matchup with the Colorado Rockies. The pitcher collapsed in obvious discomfort while a Colorado runner crossed home plate to score.
Medical staff assisted the 31-year-old right-hander onto the cart before removing him from the game. The injury marked a disappointing end to what was not only Ponce’s first game as a Blue Jay, but also his return to Major League Baseball after a three-year absence.
Following his departure from MLB in 2021, Ponce spent time playing professional baseball in both Japan and South Korea before returning to the major leagues.
During his previous MLB tenure with the Pittsburgh Pirates from 2020-2021, Ponce compiled a 1-7 record with a 5.86 earned run average across 20 total appearances, which included five starts.
Relief pitcher Louis Varland took over pitching duties following Ponce’s departure from the contest.
