Bracelet gift from young fan helps Burger avoid injury
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ARLINGTON -- Jake Burger was hit by a 95.9 mph sinker out of the hand of Angels pitcher Jack Kochanowicz in the Rangers¡¯ 5-3 win over the Angels on Thursday night at Globe Life Field. The ball ricocheted off his wrist and he squatted down in pain.
The moment could¡¯ve ended in injury as Burger appeared to be in a lot of pain and got a visit from head trainer Matt Lucero. He ultimately remained in the game, sans one piece of jewelry -- a bracelet made for him by a girl named Lily, who has Down syndrome.
Burger, whose daughter Penelope also has Down syndrome, met Lily at Wrigley Field when the Rangers were in Chicago earlier this month to face the Cubs. Lily gave Burger bracelets for himself and his wife Ashlyn, as well as Penelope and the couple¡¯s son Brooks. Burger and his wife started a foundation for their daughter on World Down Syndrome Day, and they regularly host kids and their families during road games.
Burger joked that he would have to message Lily¡¯s family for a replacement.
¡°It might have been my guardian angel,¡± Burger said of the bracelet breaking and not his wrist.