For the second time in less than a week a scalding line-drive comebacker led to a scary moment in a Texas Rangers game. This time, it was the opposing team on the receiving end.
In the fourth inning of the Rangers’ game against the Royals on Wednesday, Texas outfielder Brandon Nimmo slapped a 106-mph line drive right back at Kansas City pitcher Seth Lugo, who couldn’t react quickly enough to keep the ball from hitting him squarely in the forehead.
Lugo hit the ground awkwardly and a clearly distressed Nimmo ran to first base safely before calling timeout and hurrying to the pitcher’s mound to check on Lugo. The two former teammates played seven seasons together with the Mets.
Remarkably, Lugo appeared no worse for wear, aside from a clear mark on his forehead where the ball hit him and perhaps a sore elbow from his awkward fall. He popped up shortly after the play and appeared to voice to Nimmo that he was alright and was standing and walking under his own power. Nevertheless, Lugo exited the game with Royals training staff, likely to undergo some concussion testing and ice the welt on his head.