Philadelphia Phillies vs Washington Nationals: Observations from Philly's First Series Win
By John Town
Apr 9, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Cesar Hernandez (16) celebrates with teammates after hitting walk-off RBI single in bottom of ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies defeated the Nationals, 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
Apr 9, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Jeremy Hellickson (58) walks off the field with assistant trainer Shawn Fcasni after injuring his right hand in the top of the sixth inning against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
Jeremy Hellickson Better Drink Water Next Time
I definitely criticized having Jeremy Hellickson start Opening Day, but so far this season he has looked the part of an Opening Day starter. In ten innings over two starts, he has a 0.90 ERA with just two walks allowed. Through five innings Sunday, Hellickson allowed just one hit and just one walk without giving up a run.
That is why is what so jarring to see Hellickson removed prior to the sixth inning. As he was throwing his warmup pitches, Hellickson said his hand and forearm got progressively tighter to the point where he just couldn't move his fingers anymore. As expected, he said the issue was likely due to dehydration.
Matt Gelb of Philly.com pointed out the injury may have been rooted in the inning prior while Hellickson was at the plate and grounded out.
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Hellickson said it was the first time his hand cramped up like that during a game, and it will hopefully be the last as he should take his hydration more seriously the next time he has a start.