Hence was lifted after just 1.1 innings in his start Wednesday with Double-A Springfield due to an apparent injury, John Denton of MLB.com reports. He gave up one hit and one walk and struck out one batter before departing.
In what was his final start of the regular season, Hence lasted just 29 pitches and was pulled after his control suddenly betrayed him. According to Daniel Guerrero of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Hence walked the final batter he faced on four pitches and threw four of his final six pitches of the night in the dirt, perhaps hinting at some sort of arm injury. Springfield will begin its postseason Tuesday, but it's unclear if Hence will be available following his early exit. He was brilliant when healthy for Springfield during the regular season, finishing with a 2.82 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 109:26 K:BB in 79.2 innings.