Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Hunter Bigge was hospitalized Friday night after being struck in the face by a 105-mph foul ball during a game against the Baltimore Orioles. The incident occurred on Thursday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field when Bigge was hit by a ball off the bat of Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman, leading to a terrifying scene as he was carted off the field.
Rays manager Kevin Cash expressed concern for Bigge and his wife, calling the situation ‘scary for everybody.’ Bigge, who was placed on a backboard after receiving medical attention, gave a thumbs-up to fans before being taken to a hospital. The game was delayed by eight minutes, and Orioles manager Tony Mansolino called the incident ‘terrifying,’ acknowledging the danger of being in the dugout.
Despite the severity of the hit, Bigge never lost consciousness and was able to communicate with first responders. Rutschman, who hit the ball, also expressed hope for Bigge’s recovery and described the event as ‘really scary.’ While the incident initially caused concern, it is believed that Bigge’s condition is stable, and he is currently on the injured list with a lat strain.
Bigge has a 2.40 ERA in 13 relief outings covering 15 innings this season, indicating that he has been a solid performer on the mound. The incident has sparked discussions about player safety and the risks associated with foul balls in baseball. Although the Rays have not commented on potential rule changes or additional safety measures, fans and players alike are calling for greater protection for those in the dugouts.
The incident highlights the inherent dangers of playing baseball, where fans are often in close proximity to the action. While the focus remains on Bigge’s recovery, the incident has prompted a broader conversation about the need for increased safety measures in the sport.