Pillar sparked widespread concern among other players and fans after spurting blood when he was caught by a 94 mph balloon by Jacob Webb in the seventh inning of their game at Truist Park on Monday.
After leaving the field on his own, it was later reported that the 32-year-old suffered multiple nasal fractures but escaped more serious injuries.
Kevin Pillar had just been punched in the face by a pitch and immediately left the game in Atlanta. pic.twitter.com/T67yrlkWoU
– UNB! MLB sportive (@unbsportsmlb) May 18, 2021
Sporting a bruised and bruised face, Pillar returned to Truist Park on Tuesday, where he spoke to the media.
“I feel really good, actually. Although I am not that beautiful, I feel as close to normal as possible ”. said the midfield, who jokingly asked manager Luis Rojas if he was in the lineup for the game.
“The only difficult thing is that my right eye is suffering a little swelling right now and I can’t really breathe through my nose, but besides I feel good,” Pillar added.
“I feel lucky and just a little excited to start this recovery and start doing what I love to do again.
Pillar is tentatively on the 10-day injured list, and after meeting with a plastic surgeon, he is due to have surgery to put his nose back in place once the swelling subsides.
“My face will heal, but my heart is broken right now because this team is in pain right now,” Pillar added by becoming the 13th Mets star to land on the injury list.
The veteran star, who only joined the Mets in February, said his concerns were more with the Braves Webb pitcher – who immediately turned away, slapping Pillar in the face and seemed distraught by the incident.
Kevin Pillar has just been punched in the face by Jacob Webb with a fastball. The look here from Webb says it all. #Mets Pillar was shedding blood but was able to leave the pitch shortly after. It was horrible !!! Everyone hopes Pillar is doing well. pic.twitter.com/LolprCf3jP
– Paul Byrd (@ PaulByrd36) May 18, 2021
The two met at Truist Park on Tuesday, with Pillar reassuring Webb about his health.
“I’m almost more worried about him than I am myself because I know I’ve seen his reaction and know how difficult it can be for someone who feels responsible for an injury . “ Said Pillar.
“I think everyone – my family, my close friends, my entourage – knows it’s just a little bump in the road. I pride myself on being tough and available. I’m fine.
“I know how difficult it can be for someone who feels responsible for someone’s injury… He has to continue to trust and believe in himself. -Kevin Pillar on Jacob Webb punching him in the face pic.twitter.com/SgS2fGDdaN
– Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) May 18, 2021
The Mets clinched a 4-3 victory on Tuesday night, confirming the 3-1 victory they won on Monday despite losing Pillar in the fray.
