There's a reason why minor-league outfielder Justin Crawford is considered the Philadelphia Phillies' No. 3 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline.
Crawford has had a strong 2025 campaign at the plate for the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, putting together a .334/.411/.452 slash line with seven home runs, 47 RBIs, 88 runs scored and 46 stolen bases across 112 games. His play at that level has created speculation as to whether he may receive a big-league call-up before the season is over.
While the likelihood of the Phillies making such a move remains low, any chances of him receiving a promotion would have been dashed had he suffered a serious injury on Thursday night. Thankfully, that didn't happen.
Crawford escapes serious injury after colliding with teammate in outfield
In the first inning of the IronPigs' game against the Toledo MudHens, Akil Baddoo launched a catchable ball into left field. Three players, including Crawford and fellow IronPigs teammate Otto Kemp, attempted to make the grab. But the ball dropped into fair territory after Crawford and Kemp ran into each other.
Justin Crawford is out of the game for Lehigh Valley after this collision with Otto Kemp. Might have lost a tooth on that one. pic.twitter.com/cWmVHz6VPq
— Destiny Lugardo (@destiny_lugardo) September 4, 2025
Crawford, whose chin connected with Kemp's shoulder during the collision, clutched his face and remained on the ground after the play. He was quickly checked on by the IronPigs' training staff and teammates before being taken out of the game.
The Athletic's Matt Gelb provided an update on the situation in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Friday morning.
"Phillies believe Crawford avoided major injury after taking a shoulder to the face last night, although he has a few broken teeth," Gelb wrote in the post. "Scary moment."
That positive diagnosis will surely a produce sigh of relief from all the Phillies' key decision-makers, though it may take a few days before Crawford is game ready again.