During a game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday, Rays pitcher Hunter Bigge was struck in the face by a 105 mph foul ball. The incident, witnessed by players and fans, was described as terrifying, with several individuals expressing their shock and fear. Bigge was taken to the hospital for evaluation but was released after undergoing surgery to address multiple facial fractures. The Rays’ president of baseball operations, Erik Neander, confirmed that the most concerning outcomes were ruled out, providing some relief to fans and teammates.
Bigge, who had been playing a crucial role in the Rays’ pitching staff with a 2.40 ERA in 15 innings, is now on the 15-day injured list with a lat strain. The injury has raised concerns about his availability for upcoming games, impacting the team’s strategy and roster management. Fellow Rays pitcher Ryan Pepiot, who was standing near Bigge during the incident, described the event as one of the scariest things he has ever seen, highlighting the severity of the situation and the potential dangers faced by players in close proximity to the field.
Managers from both teams have expressed their shock and concern over the incident, with the Orioles’ interim manager Tony Mansolino emphasizing the frightening nature of the event. The Rays’ manager Kevin Cash noted that Bigge never lost consciousness and was able to communicate with first responders, which provided some reassurance about the severity of his condition. While the Rays are currently focused on their recovery and management of the injured player, the incident has sparked discussions about player safety and the risks associated with foul balls in baseball games.
Despite the setback, the Rays are hopeful that Bigge will recover fully and return to form, as his performance this season has been a key factor in the team’s success. The incident also serves as a reminder of the inherent dangers in the sport, prompting both teams and league officials to consider additional measures to protect players from such incidents. As the Rays prepare for their next games, the focus will be on ensuring the well-being of their players and maintaining the competitiveness of their team.