Odorizzi avoids Achilles injury: 'Best-case scenario'

After being stretchered off the field Monday night, an MRI on Houston Astros starter Jake Odorizzi revealed strains and sprains on ligaments around his ankle and foot, according to Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle.

Odorizzi called the diagnosis the "best-case scenario" after fearing he ruptured his Achilles tendon. He added that he felt a "large pop" but said the stretcher "made it look worse than it was."

The right-hander is expected to return later this season and is off his crutches. However, there's no immediate timeline for his return.

Odorizzi attempted to sprint off the mound to cover first base on a groundball by Boston Red Sox infielder Enrique Hernandez in the fifth inning. However, the 32-year-old immediately fell and was unable to get back up. After being checked by training staff, the former All-Star was removed from the game via stretcher. Yuli Gurriel recorded the out to complete the inning.

Odorizzi was enjoying the early returns of a bounce-back campaign, posting a 3.13 ERA and 3.40 FIP over 31 2/3 innings. He allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits and one walk over five frames Monday while striking out four before suffering the injury. Phil Maton replaced him to start the sixth.