Tampa Bay Rays utility man Amed Rosario was the center of a terrifying scene on Saturday, but he appears to have avoided something truly horrible.
Facing Pittsburgh Pirates flamethrower Jared Jones in the first inning, Rosario took a 100 mph fastball to the face, sending the 28-year-old staggering out of the batter’s box. Fortunately, the helmet flap protecting his jaw seemed to take the brunt of the momentum.
Rosario was immediately attended to by staff from both teams and left under his own power while holding a towel.
The good news came three innings later, when Bally Sports Sun’s Tricia Whitaker reported Rosario had suffered facial lacerations, but no signs of a fracture.
A major injury would cut short what has been a career year for Rosario, once a top prospect and the starting shortstop for the New York Mets. He also spent time with the Cleveland Guardians and Los Angeles Dodgers, and joined the Rays last offseason on a one-year, $1.5 million deal in free agency.
Rosario entered Saturday with a line of .301/.323/.416, with his batting average the highest of his career. He has played right field, second base, shortstop and third base for the Rays, who value versatility.