Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Amed Rosario had to leave Saturday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates after being struck in the face with a 99mph fastball off a pitch from Pirates rookie Jared Jones.
Footage on social media shows that Jones’ third pitch to the right-handed Rosario went up and in, striking Rosario’s helmet in the first inning.
Rosario crouched over for several moments at scorching PNC Park – where the game-time temperature was 95 degrees – before being helped off the field by members of the Tampa Bay training staff.
Richie Palacios pinch-ran for Rosario. Palacios then took over at second base at the bottom of the first, while starting second baseman Jose Caballero slid over to third to take Rosario’s spot on defense.
Rosario was the second Tampa player hit by Jones in the top of the first.
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW:
A scary scene in Pittsburgh as Amed Rosario takes a 100 mph pitch to the face.
— Bally Sports Sun: Rays (@BallyRays) June 22, 2024
Rosario appears to be okay 🙏 pic.twitter.com/65zFZ0wODx