Royals’ Vinnie Pasquantino Exits Game with Heat Illness
UPDATE: Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino exited Saturday night’s game against the Chicago White Sox due to a serious heat-related illness. The incident occurred during the match, which the Royals won 6-2, as temperatures soared to a sweltering 94 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pasquantino, who struck out in the first inning, reported feeling disoriented and ultimately “blacked out.” He recounted, “I wasn’t very comfortable. I basically couldn’t slow my heart rate down.” Moments after his strikeout, he rushed to the bathroom, where he “puked all over,” highlighting the severity of his condition.
With Pasquantino’s sudden exit, Nick Loftin shifted to first base, allowing John Rave to take over in left field. Rave made an immediate impact, hitting a home run and scoring two runs, showcasing his readiness despite the early game shift. “I try to show up to the park every day and prepare the same way, whether I’m in there or not,” Rave stated.
Manager Matt Quatraro praised Rave’s performance, especially noting his impressive speed on the bases. “For him to score from first was absolutely huge,” Quatraro remarked, adding a light-hearted comment about Pasquantino’s pace.
Despite the alarming incident, Pasquantino, who leads the team with 80 RBIs and is tied for the lead with 22 home runs, expressed optimism about returning to play. He indicated plans to be in the lineup for Sunday’s series finale, pending medical clearance. “I prepared myself well for the game today,” he explained, emphasizing his hydration efforts. “It just hit me.”
As the Royals look towards the final game of the series, fans are left anxious about Pasquantino’s health and the potential implications for the team’s performance. Stay tuned for further updates on his condition and any changes to the lineup ahead of tomorrow’s game.
