Video: Aroldis Chapman hit in the face by line drive

March 19, 2014 – Surprise, Ariz – This is a non- Texas Rangers story, but it hits close to home and reminds us of the dangers of being a pitcher. In tonight’s Cincinnati Reds vs Kansas City Royals game Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Surprise, Ariz – This is a non- Texas Rangers story, but it hits close to home and reminds us of the dangers of being a pitcher.  In tonight’s Cincinnati Reds vs Kansas City Royals game, closer Cincinnati Reds’ Aroldis Chapman was hit in the face by a line drive off of Salvador Perez.   The ball deflected right off his face and immediately went down.

Medical staff quickly reacted and he was placed on a backboard and carted off the field.  Even Chapman’s father rushed to the field.   Perez hit a 99 MPH fastball right to Chapman.  After the play, Perez went to the mound to check on him.  He was later seen crying due to the incident.

Chapman was carted off and the teams and officials decided to call the game.

UPDATE: 11:19 PM March 19 – Chapman never lost consciousness as he was carted off.   He is currently at the hospital.

UPDATE: 7:39 AM March 20 – Chapman has broken/fractured bones near his left eye and nose.  He was awake and consciousness  last night.

Post game video from the Reds manager Bryan Price

Don’t think this can happen to the Rangers?  It happened to Dustin Nippert back in 2010.  Luckily for Nippert it wasn’t that serious and he was able to walk off under his own power.  He was transported to the hospital and the CT scans were negative.

Everyone at NolanWritin.com is hoping for the best for Aroldis Chapman and a speedy recover.