Good news on Robbie Ray; released from the hospital after getting stitches and will go through concussion protocol, but said to be OK. pic.twitter.com/1XDcsjfZtc
— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) July 29, 2017
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Robbie Ray was hit in the head with a line drive on Friday night. The scary incident happened when St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Luke Voit smashed a 94 MPH fastball right back at Ray in the second inning. The pitcher had no chance of avoiding the ball since it was coming at him at an exit velocity of 108.1 miles per hour. Ray was able to turn his head slightly, but was still smacked in the back of his skull and he instantly fell to the ground in obvious pain.
Here's the slow-mo of Robbie Ray getting hit in the head. Watch Luke Voit's face as he realized where his liner went. Scary. pic.twitter.com/YRWnlU7124
— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) July 29, 2017
His Diamondbacks teammates and Voit immediately rushed to the mound to check on Ray. After gripping his head and wriggling in pain while on the ground for several minutes, Ray was able to be helped up and was taken out on a cart. The St. Louis crowd gave Ray a standing ovation as he was wheeled off the field. He managed to stand under his own power, but he was bleeding from the head. Lost in the tragic moment is that Arizona third baseman Daniel Descalso actually snagged the ricochet with a diving catch in foul territory.
UPDATE: Robbie Ray was alert after he was struck in the head by a 108 mph comebacker but was sent to the hospital for further testing. pic.twitter.com/fYshh8wwjN
— Bally Sports Arizona (@BALLYSPORTSAZ) July 29, 2017
Ray was taken to the hospital where he was given a few stitches and his CT scan was normal. Ray was released from the hospital and then returned to the ballpark to shower before heading back to the team hotel. He will enter the MLB’s concussion protocol in the ensuing days and then be evaluated to see if he is okay to play.
The 25-year-old Arizona pitcher is having a breakout season and this year has a 3.15 ERA and 149 strikeouts, the fourth-most total in the majors.