In the first inning of the Boston Red Sox's February 27 spring training game against the Atlanta Braves, the season flashed before Boston's eyes.
In the bottom of the first inning at CoolToday Park, Jurickson Profar lifted a fly ball to left field. Roman Anthony and Ceddanne Rafaela charged toward each other, attempting to make the play, but they didn't stop in time.
The outfielders collided, hit the ground hard and appeared to be in pain. Rafaela landed on his back while Anthony landed more awkwardly, face down. They took a few minutes to get up off the grass as Red Sox Nation held its breath. Rafaela was the first to stand as Anthony remained on the ground.
Rafaela gestured to his leg and Anthony seemingly directed trainers to inspect his leg and his arm. All was apparently well, and both players remained in the game. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the Red Sox could exhale.
Roman Anthony and Ceddanne Rafaela gave Red Sox the scare of their lives after outfield collision
Losing Anthony or Rafaela to injury would be deeply unfortunate for Boston, but losing both would be an utter disaster. The Red Sox have already embraced Anthony as their leadoff hitter and newest star, and they planned on Rafaela's Gold Glove-winning defense in center field saving them throughout the season.
The decision to leave the two outfielders in the game could be questionable in some fans' eyes. Anthony and Rafaela will be everyday players on this Red Sox team and risking their health so they can play out a February spring training game is a shaky choice, especially since both players are participating in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
Thankfully, Anthony and Rafaela didn't look too affected by their clash. Anthony ripped a single through the right gap in the second inning and Rafaela promptly scored him with a home run.
The outfield vibes started off great against Atlanta after Jarren Duran crushed a towering homer off lefty and former Red Sox Chris Sale. Brayan Bello may have been shaken up by the collision — he had a lengthy break while Anthony and Rafaela recovered from their crash and he let up a home run to Mike Yastrzemski to lead off the second inning.
Reporters and fans wondered what Craig Breslow was thinking when he didn't trade an outfielder this winter. Anthony and Rafaela's crash almost vindicated him in the worst possible way. Thankfully, it doesn't seem like it will.