Detroit Tigers outfielder Wenceel Pérez was unable to play Wednesday after being injured in a weight-room accident following Tuesday's game.
After the Tigers' loss in Houston, Pérez was going through his normal postgame workout routine in the clubhouse when he was struck in the face by a plyometric band, according to Chris McCosky of the Detroit News. The band snapped off a hook while in use and hit him below the left eye.
Pérez was not at Daikin Park on Wednesday while undergoing further evaluation for his facial injuries.
"He is going through a battery of tests to check out his face, his eye. ... I'm pretty concerned about him," manager A.J. Hinch said after Wednesday's 4-2 loss to the Astros.
Hinch did not have any further details about the 26-year-old's condition or when he might return.
The freak injury adds to what's been a rough season for the Tigers, who are tied for the second-worst record in the American League and currently have 11 players - including four hitters - on the injured list. Second baseman Gleyber Torres was placed on the IL on Sunday, while Parker Meadows and Javier Báez have both been out since April.
It's also been a difficult year for Pérez, who's been the Tigers' primary right fielder despite taking a major step back offensively in his third big-league campaign. The switch-hitter owns a career-worst .180/.246/.348 slash line with seven home runs and 17 RBIs over 53 games in 2026.
