August 18, 2012 at 9:16 PM
ESPNBoston: Brian Johnson hit in face with liner
Boston Red Sox pitching prospect Brian Johnson was hit in the face by a line drive at Saturday's Futures at Fenway event and left the field on a stretcher.
Johnson suffered multiple orbital bone fractures on the left side of his face but is showing no signs of a concussion and is resting comfortably at the hospital, the Red Sox said in a statement.
Johnson, who earned the start for the Single-A Lowell Spinners in the opening game of the annual minor league doubleheader at Fenway Park, was facing Hudson Valley center fielder Joey Rickard, the Renegades' leadoff batter, when he suffered the injury.
On just the second pitch of the game, Rickard sent a line drive right back at the left-hander, who was struck on the left side of the face. Although Johnson initially attempted to finish the play, he went down to his knees holding his face and remained down for about 10 minutes before eventually leaving the field on a stretcher. Johnson was able to wave to the crowd as he was carted off to show he was conscious.