San Francisco Giants outfielder Harrison Bader has been ruled out for the remainder of the season following a late-night scooter crash that involved a fire engine and exacerbated a foot injury.
Bader, 32, who signed a two-year, $20 million contract with the Giants in the offseason, was already on the injured list with plantar fasciitis in his left foot when the incident occurred early Sunday. Local reports indicate Bader was riding an electric scooter in San Francisco's Marina district around 1:50 a.m. when he collided with the back of a firetruck. The fire engine's wheel then reportedly ran over Bader's foot, causing significant injury. A Giants statement confirmed that the crash "complicated" his existing plantar fasciitis, altering the nature of his medical evaluation.
Witnesses reported seeing Bader at several city bars in the hours preceding the crash. Giants manager Tony Vitello confirmed Thursday that Bader's first year with the team is effectively over, as medical staff assess the full extent of the damage. Vitello stated that the incident would delay Bader's recovery, with a chance it could impact the long-term healing process.
Bader, who has not played since May 29, was scheduled to travel to Indianapolis to consult a specialist for his initial injury. However, the scooter accident necessitated new MRI scans and a revised evaluation plan.
This incident echoes a past accident in 2014, when Bader, then at the University of Florida, reportedly crashed a scooter into a parked car while allegedly intoxicated. That incident resulted in a 19-game suspension from the Florida Gators. When asked about potential internal disciplinary action for the recent crash, Vitello indicated that the front office was reviewing the circumstances and did not rule out disciplinary measures.
Prior to the accident, Bader had a difficult debut season with the Giants, batting a career-low .170 with five home runs in 30 games.
