Jose Iglesias Leaves Game After Being Hit on Hand By 95 MPH Fastball

Sep 17, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias (1) makes a throw to first to get Seattle Mariners right fielder Abraham Almonte (not pictured) out in the fifth inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias left the game on Thursday afternoon in the sixth inning after taking a 95 mph fastball from Tom Wilhelmsen off the hand.

The extent of the injury obviously isn’t known yet – he’ll surely be bound for the x-ray table – but the worst case scenario is a broken bone which would likely mean the end of the season for the rookie. The good news is that the Tigers have Jhonny Peralta coming available in eight days. Dave Dombrowski and Jim Leyland had already stated that Peralta wouldn’t be returning as the starting shortstop (he’s been working out in left field), but all of that would change in a heartbeat if Iglesias had to remain on the shelf.

Of course, there’s probably a decent chance that we’re talking about nothing more than a bruise. That would probably mean a few days of rest (and probably some discomfort), but, with two weeks remaining until the start of the postseason, wouldn’t mean much in October.

For now we’ll have to hope for the best as Iglesias’ defensive prowess at shortstop is not paralleled by anyone else on the team.

[UPDATE:] The x-ray results have come back already and they’re negative.

Exhale.