Scary Incident at Rays Game Involves Relief Pitcher

During a game on Thursday night, a foul ball off the bat of Orioles player Adrie Latchman struck Rays relief pitcher Hunter Big while he was in the dugout in Tampa. The incident unfolded in the seventh inning, catching everyone by surprise.

The ball, traveling at a staggering 105 mph, hit Big squarely, prompting a chaotic scene as the crowd reacted. Video captured the moment, showing just how quickly things escalated. It’s a reminder of how dangerous baseball can be off the field, especially in the dugout.

Fans were understandably concerned. Orioles infielder Gunnar Henderson was seen looking anxious, reflecting the mood in the stadium. Meanwhile, the broadcast carried whispers of worry, with commentators noting the severity of the impact.

Rays athletic trainer Joe Benge quickly attended to Big, who was eventually put in a neck brace for precaution. As he was wheeled off the field, he managed to give a thumbs up to the crowd, eliciting applause and a collective sigh of relief.

After the game, which ended in a 4-1 defeat for the Rays, manager Kevin Cash updated reporters about Big’s condition. He mentioned that Big was undergoing tests at a nearby hospital, a routine but necessary measure after such an incident.

Turning 27 just days before, Big had pitched in 13 games this season, holding a respectable 2.40 ERA prior to the injury. The incident certainly adds an unexpected twist to the season, keeping fans on edge about his recovery.