Tampa Bay Rays Celebrate Win Amid Hunter Bigge’s Injury

The Tampa Bay Rays had more than just their victory over the Detroit Tigers to celebrate on Saturday. During a game against the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday night, pitcher Hunter Bigge was struck in the face by a 105 mph foul ball while he was in the dugout. He has since been released from the hospital after surgery for multiple facial fractures, as reported by MLB.com.

After aiding in the Rays’ 8-3 win against the Tigers, Bigge made a stop at the stadium, and comments from baseball business president Erik Neander revealed that “the most concerning outcomes have been ruled out.” This was shared on Friday after an interview on WDAE.

The incident was described as “terrifying” by both Bigge and his manager. It occurred at the top of the seventh inning when a foul ball hit by Orioles catcher Adley Latchman headed straight for the Rays’ dugout, impacting Bigge on the right side of his face. Following the hit, he was placed on a backboard and taken for medical attention.

Despite the injury, Bigge managed to give a thumbs up to anxious fans as he was escorted away. Manager Kevin Cash reassured that Bigge never lost consciousness during the episode and was able to interact with first responders.

Orioles interim manager Tony Mansolino voiced the underlying fears all players share: “It’s really scary. We sit in these dugouts every night, and in many ways, you feel exposed.” Rays pitcher Ryan Pepiot, who was close to the incident, admitted it was “one of the scariest things” he’d ever witnessed.

Bigge is currently on the 15-day injured list. This season, he has maintained a 2.40 ERA over 15 innings in 13 relief appearances.