ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Starling Marte’s seventh-hardest hit of the season was an unfortunately directional one.
The Mets outfielder hit a 167.5 mph come-from-behind hit under Ryan Peppiot’s left foot, forcing the Rays’ starting pitcher to miss Sunday’s series finale at Tropicana Field.
With no outs in the third inning and runners on first and second base, Marte drilled Pepiott, and Pepiott collapsed in obvious pain and rolled on the turf.
He got up and tried to walk away from Smash, appearing to be trying to convince him to stay in the match.
But after two warm-up pitches that didn’t look completely natural, Pepiot carefully walked off the mound with team trainers and was replaced by Manuel Rodriguez.
According to the Rays, Pepiot was diagnosed with a contusion to his left lower leg, and X-rays were negative. He is every day.
Marte reached first base with an infield hit, loading the bases in a game in which the Mets led 3-2 at the time.
