Griffin Jax Forced Out of Game After Taking Line Drive to the Back

Griffin Jax Exits Game Early After Injury

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Griffin Jax had his night cut short on Saturday night against the Philadelphia Phillies. The right handed starter was forced to leave the game after completing three innings of work due to a painful injury on the mound.

The incident occurred during the bottom of the third inning of the matchup. The Phillies had a runner on second base with two outs when Philadelphia batter Trea Turner stepped up to the plate. Turner hit a sharp line drive directly back at the mound, striking Jax.

The 104 mph Impact and Play

The line drive off Turner's bat was clocked at an impressive speed of 104 mph. The ball struck Jax directly in his lower back before bouncing away.

The ball ricocheted off Jax and went toward shortstop Taylor Walls. Walls quickly gathered the ball and threw Turner out at first base to record the third out of the inning.

Immediately after the impact, Jax grabbed at his lower back and hunched over in pain. He managed to walk off the mound on his own, but he did not return to the game for the fourth inning. The AL East champion Rays held a 3-0 lead at the time of his departure.

Manager Kevin Cash Provides Update

Rays manager Kevin Cash provided an update during a dugout interview while the game was ongoing. Cash confirmed that the ball hit Jax in the spine.

Speaking about the impact, Cash said, "It's going to hurt a little bit."

Following the injury, pitcher Steven Matz came into the game to pitch the fourth inning in relief of Jax.

Jax's Season Comes to an End

Before leaving the game, Jax struck out one batter and allowed two hits over his three innings of work.

With his season now over, Jax finishes the year with an 8-10 record. He posted a 3.53 ERA over the course of the campaign.