Dodgers News: X-Rays Come Back Negative For Maeda

In the bottom of the 6th inning of the Los Angeles Dodgers 7-4 win Tuesday vs. the Arizona Diamondacks, Paul Goldschmidt hit a line drive right at Dodgers pitcher Kenta Maeda. The ball directly struck his right leg and after throwing to first to make the out, Maeda went down.

Immediately after the play, things did not look good for the Japanese rookie as he had a severe limp and needed help exiting the field.

Holding our breath for Kenta Maeda, who took a 95 mph shot to the shin. pic.twitter.com/TQHCTjBlag

— Jon Weisman (@jonweisman) June 15, 2016

While manager Dave Roberts was optimistic about Maeda being able to make his next scheduled start, the pitcher was more cautious when discussing his chances.

Dave Roberts said he thinks Kenta Maeda can make his next start. Maeda is still limping pretty badly.

— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) June 15, 2016

Kenta Maeda on if he'll make his next start: "It's hard to tell at this point. I'm going to re-evaluate tomorrow."

— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) June 15, 2016

After seeing this, Dodgers fan held their collective breaths as the last thing the club needed was yet another member of the starting rotation to go down. Thankfully, shortly after the game, the Dodgers received good news as Maeda received x-rays and they came back negative.

#Dodgers Kenta Maeda had X-rays which were negative. Caution — so were Andre Ethier's on first exam.

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) June 15, 2016

He was diagnosed with a right lower leg contusion but thankfully nothing more serious. It was also reported on Wednesday morning that Maeda looked much better than after the game, giving Dodgers fans a slight chance to exhale.

Kenta Maeda looks much better this morning. Not limping at all.

— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) June 15, 2016

In a game where the Dodgers bats finally came alive and had four home runs to thank for it, losing Maeda would have been quite the blow to the team who is going through a bit of a rough patch. Hopefully he will be able to recover at a good pace and be back on the mound for his next scheduled start which would most likely come at home against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Once again, the Dodgers turn to Clayton Kershaw to bring the series against the Diamondbacks home for them as he brings his 9-1 and 1.52 ERA with him to the rubber match. Kershaw will be going up against Patrick Corbin, who holds a 3-5 record and a 4.81 ERA. First pitch is set for 12:40 PM PT on Wednesday afternoon.