Blue Jays’ Jesús Sánchez exits after fan-thrown ball bruises wrist

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Jesús Sánchez was forced to leave Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles after suffering a bruised right wrist in an unusual incident involving a fan-thrown baseball.

The incident happened during the sixth inning of Baltimore’s 9-5 win when Sánchez looked towards fans sitting in the right-field bleachers during a stoppage in play.

Moments later, a baseball thrown from the stands struck his wrist. Sánchez later said the misunderstanding appeared to involve a young fan attempting to play catch.

“I wasn't trying to play catch right there. I just looked at them, and they thought maybe that I want them to throw the ball. It was a complete misunderstanding,” Sánchez said through an interpreter.

The Blue Jays outfielder was seen wearing a bandage after the game, though X-rays showed no fracture.

“It hurts a little bit, but thank God it's nothing bad or a fracture,” Sánchez said.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider described the moment as accidental.

“Yeah, you never know what you're going to see at the ballpark. I think the kid took it literally,” Schneider said.

The Baltimore Orioles confirmed the fan had been identified and removed from the stadium while an investigation is conducted.

Sánchez said the incident came as a “Big surprise, of course,” adding: “Just turn the page and keep going.”