HOUSTON -- In the bottom of the third inning Friday, Rangers starter Cole Hamels plunked Astros slugger George Springer in the left elbow with his 35th pitch. Springer briefly remained in the game after his second plate appearance, but left the game after the inning.
Immediately after being hit, Springer dropped to his knees, wincing in obvious pain to the chorus of the ballpark's displeasure. He was checked out by a trainer before taking first base. Jake Marisnick took over for him in center field in the top of the fourth inning.