HOUSTON -- A 14-pitch showdown between Angels first baseman Jose Fernandez and Astros pitcher Justin Verlander ended with a plunking, an injury delay, and, ultimately, Fernandez's exit from Saturday's game at Minute Maid Park.
In his first at-bat in the opening frame, Fernandez fouled off 10 pitches before Verlander hit him on his right hand with a 96-mph four-seamer. That ended Fernandez's extended at-bat, as well as his night. Jefry Marte ran for Fernandez and stayed in the game to play first base.
Fernandez, called up for a fourth time this year by the Angels on Sept.