Michigan Wolverines have ‘no plans’ for Mitch McGary to return to lineup by Brad Rowland

We’ve seen NBA players wear masks before, but MLB players? Not exactly the most common scene, especially given baseball players have to wear hats and helmets as part of their wardrobe. But that didn’t stop Miami Marlins infielder Derek Dietrich who sported the plastic-like addition during Tuesday’s Spring Training game.

Dietrich suffered a non-displaced fracture in his nose last Thursday after taking a bad hop to his face, resulting in the injury.

Understandably not wanting to have further injury, Dietrich was told he wouldn’t need surgery but would be required to wear ‘protective’ gear.

Dietrich missed a few days with the injury but did what he could to rush back given the fact he didn’t want to risk losing his roster spot. He figures to battle for playing time as the Marlins starting second baseman while Rafael Furcal deals with his hamstring issues.

He’ll likely return to the bench in a utility role once Furcal is healthy, thankfully without the mildly terrifying mask.