The spring training game between the Royals and Cincinnati Reds was called off last night in the sixth inning, after Royals catcher Salvador Perez hit a line drive that struck pitcher Aroldis Chapman in the face. After being tended to by medical staff for several minutes, Chapman was placed on a stretcher and taken to a medical center.
Chapman came into pitch that inning and issued four walks, when Perez hit an 0-2 pitch that hit Chapman and rolled back towards the Royals dugout. Perez and other players were huddled and kneeling around the mound while Chapman was attended to by trainers and Surprise, AZ. Fire Department paramedics.
Chapman’s father happened to be in attendance and he rushed out onto the field.
The Reds said Chapman was taken to a nearby medical center where tests indicated fractures above his left eye and nose. He was kept overnight for observation.
Chapman will undergo surgery Thursday to repair facial fractures and will miss six weeks. He could be released by Saturday. Team representatives said Chapman will pitch again this season, but no sooner than May.
Chapman could be out of the hospital as soon as Saturday. The left-hander will be out six to eight weeks and is “absolutely” expected to pitch this season, according to Kremchek, but not before May.
“The fun goes out of it all,” Royals manager Ned Yost said. “It’s just not a productive atmosphere to continue game. We all play this game but nobody wants to see anybody get hurt ever, and when something like that happens, it’s a feeling that affects both teams.”
Here’s the play courtesy of MLB.com
