Pirates RF Garrett Jones returns from hospital after food got stuck in his throat

Pirates RF Garrett Jones returns from hospital

LOS ANGELES — Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Garrett Jones checked himself into a hospital on Saturday and remained there for several hours after some food he ate Friday night got stuck in his throat and he wasn’t able to swallow it.

Jones was given medicine to treat the condition after undergoing some tests. He rejoined the team just before the first pitch of Pittsburgh’s 5-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to manager John Russell, but team spokesman Dan Hart said Jones returned to the team hotel during the game.

“He’s feeling a little better, but a little tired, obviously,” Russell said. “He went through a lot today and it was kind of a long day for him, but he was in good spirits. We’ll see how he is tomorrow.”

Jones leads 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.

“It wasn’t severe,” 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.”