Luis Arraez Leaves Phillies Game With Left Ankle Sprain

Arraez injured on play at first base

Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Luis Arraez exited Thursday's matchup against the Milwaukee Brewers after suffering a sprained left ankle. The injury occurred during a sequence at first base during the sixth inning.

Arraez hit a ground ball to Milwaukee shortstop Cooper Pratt. A wide throw from Pratt pulled first baseman Jake Bauers off the bag. Arraez attempted to avoid Bauers making a tag by diving to his right. The second baseman immediately grabbed his ankle right after the play.

Phillies reshuffle infield defense

Team trainers rushed onto the field to check on the infielder. Arraez stayed down on the dirt for a while as staff members evaluated the injury. He was eventually helped to his feet and hobbled off the field with assistance from the staff.

The game was tied 1-1 when Arraez had to leave. Philadelphia adjusted its infield positions right away. Bryson Stott moved over from third base to second base to take Arraez's spot on the field. Edmundo Sosa entered the game off the bench to play third base.

Batting leader and playoff chase

Arraez joined Philadelphia earlier this season after being acquired from the San Francisco Giants at the trade deadline. He is a three time batting champion who entered Thursday's action batting .311 on the season. That mark was good enough to lead the entire National League.

The Phillies were trying to wrap up a playoff spot on Thursday night. Philadelphia entered the contest needing a win against the Brewers plus a loss by the San Diego Padres against the Los Angeles Dodgers later in the night. That combination of results would allow the Phillies to clinch their fifth straight playoff appearance.

What it means for the next game

Tampa Bay Rays at Philadelphia Phillies (MLB, Fri, 25 Sep): Philadelphia Phillies win 53%, Tampa Bay Rays win 47%; projected score Philadelphia Phillies 5, Tampa Bay Rays 4. Our safest pick: Rays +2.5.