Mets' Kevin Pillar heads to IL, wanted to play despite nasal fractures

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 5/18/21

New York Mets outfielder Kevin Pillar was involved in one of the scariest scenes of the 2021 MLB season, to date, when he was hit in the face with a 95 mph fastball delivered by Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Jacob Webb in the top of the seventh inning of Monday's New York road victory.

Per Deesha Thosar of the New York Daily News, the Mets placed Pillar on the 10-day injured list hours after they confirmed he suffered multiple nasal fractures and is scheduled to meet with a facial specialist in Atlanta to determine what comes next:

Mets make some roster moves:

Kevin Pillar placed on 10-day IL with multiple facial fractures.

Infielder Wilfredo Tovar called up from Triple-A Syracuse.

Catcher Deivy Grullón designated for assignment.
— Deesha (@DeeshaThosar) May 18, 2021

However, New York starting pitcher Marcus Stroman tweeted that Pillar was ready to go for Tuesday's matchup at Atlanta:

My dawg @KPILLAR4 just walked in the clubhouse and goes “Am I in the lineup today or what?” What a WARRIOR! About to get my man the Rip Hamilton face mask for future competition. Lol KP is a LEGEND!
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) May 18, 2021

Pillar apparently said the same to Braves manager Brian Snitker via text message:

Brian Snitker texted Kevin Pillar after last night's incident. Pillar's response?

"If I could see out of my right eye, I'd be in there today" pic.twitter.com/gpE3xAoFlZ
— SNY (@SNYtv) May 18, 2021

Earlier in the day, Webb confirmed that he also reached out to Pillar in a text message. "I'm just glad he's alright. That was my main concern," Webb told reporters.

If nothing else, Pillar has made it clear to anybody who will listen he wants to return to the active roster as soon as the Mets medical staff allows.

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