Tampa Bay Rays utility man Amed Rosario was at the center of a terrifying scene on Saturday, but he appears to have avoided something truly terrible.
Facing Pittsburgh Pirates flamethrower Jared Jones in the first inning, Rosario hit a 100 mph fastball in the face, staggering the 28-year-old out of the batter’s box. Fortunately, the jaw-protecting flap on his helmet seemed to bear the brunt of the momentum.
Rosario was immediately attended to by staff from both teams and walked away under his own power while holding a towel
Good news came three innings later, when Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reported that Rosario had suffered cuts to the face, but with no evidence of a fracture.
A significant injury would interrupt a career year for Rosario, who was once a top prospect and the New York Mets’ starting shortstop. He has also spent time with the Cleveland Guardians and Los Angeles Dodgers, and joined the Rays last offseason with a one-year contract worth $1.5 million in free agency.
Rosario entered Saturday with a career-high batting average of .301/.323/.416. He played right field, second base, shortstop and third base for the versatility-appreciating Rays.
