Padres’ Luis Arraez carted off field after collision with Astros’ Dubon

The San Diego Padres lost designated hitter Luis Arraez in the first inning of Sunday night’s game against the Houston Astros.

Arraez laid a bunt down the first base line, which was fielded by Astros first baseman Christian Walker and tossed to a covering Mauricio Dubón. However, Dubón’s momentum carried him over the baseline and into a hard-charging Arraez.

The 28-year-old Arraez stayed down on the ground after the collision.

Dubón and Walker, as well as Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado, stood and watched as Arraez was placed on a backboard and carted out of the stadium. As he was being placed on the cart, Arraez put his arm around San Diego manager Mike Shildt.

“Luis Arraez has been transported to Houston Methodist Hospital for further evaluation,” the Padres wrote in a statement. “He is currently stable, conscious, responsive, and able to move his extremities.”

After a slow start to the season, Arraez, who has won three straight batting titles, has picked up his play over the last week. Since April 12, he has a .961 OPS and just one strikeout in 33 trips to the plate.

For the season, the seven-year MLB veteran is slashing .287/.330/.425 with three homers and seven RBIs. He has primarily served as the Padres’ No. 2 hitter while splitting time between DH and first base.

San Diego entered play Sunday atop the NL West with a 15-6 record.

— With files from the Associated Press

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