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San Diego Padres infielder Jake Cronenworth was hit in the face by a 96 mph fastball Saturday night against the Los Angeles Angels, but remained in the game as the team rallied late for a 4-1 victory.
Cronenworth, who is already the Padres’ all-time leader in hits by pitch, was hit on the chin during the fifth inning after a high pitch by Angels left-hander Yusei Kikuchi. The ball barely grazed Cronenworth on the shoulder before touching his chin.
Jake Cronenworth of the San Diego Padres reacts after being hit by a pitch during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim, California, on April 18, 2026. (Caroline Brehman/AP)
The game was briefly delayed because Padres coaches checked on Cronenworth, but he remained in the game.
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“He’s a hockey player and he didn’t lose any teeth,” coach Craig Stammen said after the game. through MLB.com. “So he had to stay in the game. That was the rule. He literally took one by the chin and held on, and then he stayed in the game, made some plays for us.”
Cronenworth added that it was the first time he had been hit in the face since his hockey days.
“The first reaction was just: try to make sure my jaw is okay.”
Jake Cronenworth of the San Diego Padres reacts after being hit by a pitch during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim, California, on April 18, 2026. (Caroline Brehman/AP)
ORIOLES MANAGER CRAIG ALBERNAZ TAKES THE LINE TO FACE IN A TERRIFYING SCENE
Saturday’s victory comes on the heels of reports that the family of late San Diego Padres owner Peter Seidler is close to selling the team. The Wall Street Journal first reported on the likely deal with private equity billionaire José E. Feliciano and his wife, Kwanza Jones.
The team is reportedly expected to sell for a valuation of $3.9 billion in a record deal for a Major League Baseball team. The previous mark was set by Steven Cohen, who bought the New York Mets for approximately $2.4 billion in 2020.
Jake Cronenworth of the San Diego Padres is greeted by his teammates after scoring during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim, California, on April 18, 2026. (Caroline Brehman/AP)
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