Blue Jays Pitcher carted off after line drive to the head

07 May, 2013

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Blue Jays pitcher J.A. Happ was hit in the head by a line drive and taken off the field on a stretcher during Toronto’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday night.

In a frightening scene at Tropicana Field, Desmond Jennings’ second-inning liner caromed squarely off the left side of Happ’s head, and the ball went all the way into the bullpen in foul territory halfway down the right-field line. Happ dropped face down at the front of the mound, holding his head with his glove and bare hand.

Jennings ended up on third base with a two-run triple. Team trainers, paramedics and medical officials rushed to Happ’s aid as Tropicana Field fell into a hush.

Jennings stood with his hands on his head, and other players were visibly concerned as they watched Happ receive medical attention. The left-hander was strapped to a backboard and immobilized before he was lifted onto a stretcher and wheeled off the field through an opening behind home plate.

Just before he disappeared under the stands, Happ raised his right hand and waved. He received a standing ovation from the crowd, and the game resumed after an 11-minute delay.

No other details about the injury were immediately available.

AP

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