Will power
Savage boosts RailCats after missing a month with symptoms related to a concussion
Will Savage’s symptoms persisted.
A headache. Occasional dizziness. The feeling of a “heavy head.”
Savage, who started the season as the RailCats’ second baseman, missed close to a month with concussion-related symptoms.
“It’s a lot different than other injuries,” Savage said. “There’s not really a way to rehab it. It’s different. It was strange, for sure.
“I feel better, I feel good. I’m just glad to be back and hoping to contribute.”
In the home opener May 21 against Sioux City, Savage was hit by a pitch above his left ear. He stayed in the game for 1 1/2 innings before departing.
He returned May 24 against Sioux Falls. But he began feeling worse, and he didn’t play again until June 19 at Fargo-Moorhead.
Savage suffered a scare at Milwaukee on Monday, when he was sitting in the dugout and an errant throw between innings hit him in the head. Concussion protocol was followed, and he played Thursday in the series finale without incident.
RailCats manager Greg Tagert is happy to have Savage available again.
“He came back and hit the ground running,” Tagert said of Savage. “He’s done a wonderful job.”
Since returning, Savage has served as the designated hitter and has also started games at second base, third and center field. In his fourth professional season, the 24-year-old from the Bronx hadn’t played in center field since he was a junior at Columbia.
But Savage has that type of ability. He spent two seasons in the Detroit Tigers organization after they drafted him in the 16th round in 2016 and was in extended spring training with the Toronto Blue
Jays last season.
“The A’s nearly drafted him as a center fielder,” Tagert said. “I’ve seen him run down balls out there. I wouldn’t be surprised if he could play center field every day. But he’s an outstanding second baseman.
“He can run, he has arm strength. He’s an exceptional talent, an outstanding player, and a better offensive player than what he showed in the Tigers organization. This guy can play at a high level against very good competition. Will has a long career ahead of him.”
Savage hit .309 in 45 games last season with the RailCats. He played primarily at shortstop and also saw time at second base and third.
With the RailCats dealing with injuries, Savage initially signed a seven-day contract. Even when they got healthy, he retained a roster spot with his performance.
“That’s why I’m always surprised when players turn down opportunities,” Tagert said.
“To Will’s credit, he looked at it like he needed a job, he impressed us, and he’s been here ever since.”
Savage joined the team with his eyes wide open.
“I sort of took a risk coming out here. I didn’t really know what was going to happen,” he said. “But I’m glad I did.
“A lot of guys who have been here for a while have a similar original story in terms of coming here under uncertain circumstances and just trying to make the most if it. A lot of us have that in common, and it makes us appreciate being here and the opportunities we have.”