Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Jesús Sánchez was struck in the right wrist by a ball thrown from the stands by a young fan during the bottom of the sixth inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards on May 31, 2026 [1, 2]. Sánchez exited the game immediately and was replaced in right field by Yohendrick Piñango [1, 2]. X-rays taken after the incident showed no fracture, but Sánchez was diagnosed with a right wrist contusion [1].
The fan who threw the ball was identified as approximately 13 years old and was ejected from the game by Orioles staff [1, 2]. The Orioles said they are conducting an investigation, despite the throw apparently being accidental [2]. According to Blue Jays manager John Schneider, "It was a miscommunication between Sánchez and the young fan who threw the ball," indicating no malicious intent behind the incident [1].
Baltimore Sun reporter Jacob Calvin Meyer, cited by Fox News, noted that several fans in right field described it as an accident. A young fan saw Sánchez flapping his glove as if to play catch and threw the ball late, after Sánchez had already turned around [2].
At the time Sánchez was hit, the Orioles led the game 6-0 and went on to win 9-5 [1, 2]. The loss dropped Toronto's record to 29-31, while Baltimore improved to 28-32 [1].
Sánchez has been playing well this season, hitting .287/.324/.461 with six home runs and 11 doubles in 57 games for the Blue Jays [1]. He joined Toronto in February 2026 when the team acquired him from the Houston Astros in exchange for Joey Loperfido [1].
The Blue Jays will likely monitor Sánchez’s wrist closely as he recovers from the contusion. Meanwhile, the Orioles focus on concluding their review of the throw to prevent similar incidents.
