Winter ball in the Caribbean is a chance for young ballplayers to work on their game, often against seasoned Major League veterans. But they are also very real competitions which brings the very real possibility of injury. Royals outfield prospect Khalil Lee found that out the hard way this week when he was struck in the hand by a pitch, while playing for Indios de Mayaguez in the Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente in Puerto Rico.
Welp. Khalil Lee just got hit by a pitch in his right hand. Hopefully nothing serious. Seems to be in some pain. pic.twitter.com/D18xuKmpWI
— Jeremy Scheuch (@jeremyscheuch) November 21, 2019
According to Héctor Otero, the club’s general manager, Lee suffered a right hand fracture and was sent back to Kansas City for further evaluation. Lee will miss the remainder of the winter ball season.
Lee had played in just five games for Indios de Mayaguez, going 4-for-18 with a home run and five strikeouts. During the regular season he hit .264/.363/.372 with eight home runs and 53 steals for Double-A Northwest Arkansas. MLB Pipeline ranks Lee as the #4 prospect in the organization.