Max Stassi exits Astros game after being hit by pitch, avoids major injury

Houston Astros catcher Max Stassi fields a bunt during a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays Friday, June 29, 2018, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius) Houston Astros catcher Max Stassi fields a bunt during a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays Friday, June 29, 2018, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius) Photo: Steve Nesius/Associated Press Photo: Steve Nesius/Associated Press Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Max Stassi exits Astros game after being hit by pitch, avoids major injury 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

ARLINGTON — The Astros avoided their worst-case scenario.

On the same day Brian McCann was sent for knee surgery that will sideline him for the foreseeable future, catcher Max Stassi exited Tuesday's game after taking an 89.9 mph fastball off his right hand in the first inning.

Between innings of Tuesday's game, Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said Stassi had nothing more than a "right hand contusion" and is "day to day." Luhnow said X-rays were negative.

Stassi was hit by Rangers starter Austin Bibens-Dirkx's full-count four-seam fastball. He immediately clutched his arm and was tended to by team trainers and manager A.J. Hinch.

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After a long conversation with them, Stassi remained in the game to run the bases. At the conclusion of the inning, though, he was removed from the game in favor of Tim Federowicz.

Federowicz was added to the roster prior to Tuesday's game as a corresponding move for McCann's departure.

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