Arizona Diamondbacks slugger Eugenio Suárez took an unexpected fastball to the left hand during the 2025 MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday at Truist Park. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Chicago White Sox reliever Shane Smith’s 95.9 mph pitch struck Suárez on the ring and pinkie finger -an exaclty classic break point-, sending him to his knees in pain.
Trainers rushed to check the Yankees’ trade target, and while he remained in the game to jog down the line, he did not participate in the historic first-ever “swing-off” tiebreaker. NL manager Dave Roberts later confirmed that X-rays came back negative, allowing Suárez to continue playing without immediate medical restrictions.
Yankees’ may rethink trading for Suárez
Suárez, one of the hottest trade targets ahead of July 31, had already compiled 31 home runs and 78 RBIs for Arizona this season. The Yankees, actively seeking a powerful third baseman, are reportedly in advanced discussions, but this sudden hit-by-pitch in the All-Star showcase adds a new layer of risk. Although initial scans showed no fracture, teams and their medical staffs will be closely reviewing his hand’s condition before committing to any trade.
All-Star policy under scrutiny again
This incident injects fresh controversy into MLB’s rule requiring every team to send at least one representative to the All-Star Game. Critics argue that players like Suárez, who might only participate to fulfill the quota, face unnecesary risk. Suárez himself wasn’t selected for performance, but due to thsi policy.
Major League Baseball may now face renewed calls to revise policy: perhaps protecting trade-sensistive players by allowing teams to opt out or provide conditional All-Star exemptions. Though X-rays were clean, any hand injury could impact Suárez at the plate and on potential trade value. Yankees are hoping for a surefire fit at third, but only if his hand holds steady in the coming days.
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