You hate to see this at any time, but especially in dang Spring Training. Cubs utility man David Bote, who figures to make the club out of Spring Training and serve as the backup shortstop thanks to the absence of Addison Russell, was hit in the helmet by a Madison Bumgarner pitch in today’s game.
Bote was just hit in the back of the helmet (at least that's what it sounded like) on an 0-2 pitch from Bumgarner. He's down on one knee being checked out. Now walks off the field with trainer Matt Johnson and Maddon.
— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) February 24, 2019
David Bote hit in the helmet by a pitch from Madison Bumgarner in the 2nd inning. Dropped to a knee. Walked off the field under his own power, but with a member of Cubs' training staff and Maddon on either side. Ryan Court enters the game in Bote's place.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) February 24, 2019
We’ll have details as soon as they are available, but the Cubs will be as cautious as possible with this at this time in the Spring. Hopefully Bote recovers well. Or, actually, hopefully there’s not even anything serious from which to recover.
UPDATE: Initial word is good:
Bote checked out by Giants doctor at ballpark before heading back to Cubs complex. Initial testing showed nothing alarming, but he’ll be evaluated more overnight. Expect an update Monday morning.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) February 24, 2019