Meyers' status up in air after crash into wall

CHICAGO -- The Astros conceded the first run of Game 4 of the American League Division Series to the White Sox on a solo homer by Gavin Sheets on Tuesday afternoon at Guaranteed Rate Field. Though they bounced back quickly, advancing to the American League Championship Series for the fifth year in a row by beating the White Sox, 10-1, they lost center fielder Jake Meyers in the process to left shoulder discomfort.

Meyers attempted to rob Sheets’ 408-foot homer that landed just over the center-field wall, but he slammed into the wall at full force with his left shoulder out front. Meyers was down on the field several minutes after the play and had to be helped up afterward by Carlos Correa, Michael Brantley, manager Dusty Baker and head athletic trainer Jeremiah Randall.

Baker said after the game that they’re still not positive on Meyers’ status, and he will have to be further evaluated by team trainers and doctors in the coming days. Baker didn’t elaborate on who would replace Meyers if he couldn’t play in the AL Championship Series.

Initially, Meyers attempted to make some practice throws. Soon after, he came out of the game.

“He just said that he had to exert more than 50 percent effort in throwing the ball,” Baker said. “You saw him. He took a few throws. And then, as soon as he tried to put a little mustard on it, you know, he didn't have it. So hopefully it's something that will subside by Friday and if it doesn't, then ... we have to make some adjustments.”

Correa was key in making sure Meyers knew to do the right thing and not try to play through the injury.

“I talked to him and I said, ‘Papi, if you’re not able to make a throw to home plate when we need it the most, you should not stay in the game. You should let Chas [McCormick] take over. Trust your teammates,’” Correa said.

Meyers, who was hitting .375 with two RBIs over three games this postseason, was replaced in center field by McCormick. He went 1-for-3 with a walk after replacing Meyers.

“He told me he was 50 percent. I told him 50 percent is not good enough," Correa added. "So he came out of the game. He gave his best. He almost caught that ball. It was close. He’s a special kid who plays hard and wants to be on the field every single day. I love him a lot, and I appreciated the fact that he tried to stay in the game for us, but the best decision was for Chas to come in and replace him.”