Rays pitcher Hunter Bigge taken away on a cart after a 105-mph foul ball hits his face.

Hunter Big Injured by Foul Ball

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Hunter Big was taken from George M. Steinbrenner Field after suffering a frightening injury during the game against the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday night. Big was struck in the face by a foul ball, which was hit at an alarming 105 mph by Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman during the seventh inning.

The ball headed directly towards the dugout and hit Big on the right side of his face. Following the incident, the medical team placed him on a backboard for evaluation. Despite the severity of the blow, Big managed to give a thumbs up to concerned fans as he was being attended to.

Manager Kevin Cash commented on the situation, expressing empathy for both Big and his wife, noting it was a traumatic experience. “You certainly feel for Hunter and his wife. I can’t imagine what they went through,” he said. The incident understandably caused concern among players and fans alike, with Cash describing it as “scary for everyone.”

After the injury, Big was transported to a hospital for further examination, but fortunately, he never lost consciousness and was able to communicate with his teammates. The game faced an eight-minute delay due to the incident, which left many players and spectators in shock.

Orioles interim manager Tony Mansolino echoed the unsettling feelings surrounding the event, saying, “It’s really scary. We sit at these games every night, and you feel a sort of vulnerability.” Many players around the league expressed their thoughts and prayers for Big’s recovery, highlighting the solidarity among athletes regardless of team affiliation.