Pirates RF Garrett Jones checks himself into hospital after food gets stuck in throat

Pirates RF Garrett Jones checks into hospital

LOS ANGELES — Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Garrett Jones checked himself into a hospital because of digestive problems, after some food he ate Friday night became stuck in his throat and he wasn’t able to dislodge it.

Jones was expected to rejoin the team Saturday at Dodger Stadium, but had not arrived by game time. He underwent some tests and was given medicine to treat the condition.

“It wasn’t severe,” Pirates manager John Russell said before batting practice. “It was just that he swallowed something and it wouldn’t go down. You know how when there’s swelling in that area and you can’t get something down and need a drink? He just couldn’t get it down. I think he’s had this before — not this severe, but he swallowed and it wouldn’t go down.”

Jones led the Pirates with 14 RBIs and four home runs despite batting only .207 through his first 23 games. Last season, he led all rookies with 21 homers.