Nationals catcher Kurt Suzuki, who left Game 5 of the National League Division Series on Wednesday after being hit by a 94-mph fastball by Dodgers starter Walker Buehler, "should be ready to go" Friday for Game 1 of the NL Championship Series against the Cardinals, manager Dave Martinez said Thursday.
Suzuki underwent X-rays on his hand, which came back negative.
Kurt Suzuki had x-rays on his hand and they came back negative, per Dave Martinez. "He should be ready to go tomorrow."
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) October 10, 2019
Somewhat fortunately for Suzuki, the ball first hit his hand/wrist and then glanced into his face, but it still hit him with plenty of force for it to hurt.
Scary moment to start the top of the 7th. Prayers to Kurt Suzuki 🙌🏻
— Baseball Authority (@BsblAuthority) October 10, 2019
pic.twitter.com/bnsmEIYGrc
Suzuki was replaced in Thursday's eventual 7-3 Nationals win by Yan Gomes as Washington was trailing 3-1 in the seventh.
The NLCS opens Friday with Game 1 at 8 p.m. ET in St. Louis.