'If I can open it, I can play!': Carpenter's salsa comes in handy after he's hit by pitch

ST. LOUIS — Matt Carpenter’s salsa for the win, again!

The Cardinals infielder was hit in the hand by a pitch in Wednesday night’s game against the Nationals. He was taken out as a precaution, and X-rays came back negative.

But Carpenter didn’t need the fancy technology to prove he was okay.

All he needed was his famous salsa.

READ MORE: Carpenter's HR streak fueled by secret salsa

“After being hit, the trainers wanted to see if [Carpenter’s] hand was ok. He tested his strength by trying to open a jar of salsa. He opened it!,” the Cardinals tweeted.

“If I can open it, I can play!” Carp reportedly said.

#ItsGottaBeTheSalsa

Breathe a collective sigh of relief, Cardinals Nation. Fans can expect to see him back on the field—and at bat—Thursday night.

In an Instagram video, Carp proved he's good to go by using his hand to stir that famous salsa as it simmered on the stovetop.

"Hands just fine! #Salsa4thesweep" he captioned it.

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