David Chao, MD
2 min read • May 15, 2023
Posted in
Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Ryan Feltner suffered a fractured skull and a concussion when he was hit by a 92.4 mph comebacker from Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos.
Feltner exited the field under his own power, but was taken to a hospital for overnight observation.
He was discharged from the hospital Sunday night, a good sign he avoided the worst-case scenario.
Colorado manager Bud Black told reporters that Feltner was able to text him Saturday night.
“Ryan was communicating with players via text, so he was pretty stable by the time the game ended and guys were getting home, 11 o’clock, midnight," Black said. "He was texting with our medical staff, his parents, and we texted last night. He was obviously in a concussion state, but he was fairly lucid.”
The Rockies placed Feltner on the 15-day IL and the team recalled Riley Pint to take his spot on the roster.
Royals starter Ryan Yarbrough suffered three non-displaced fractures near his left eye when he was hit by a comebacker last week.
Yarbrough was also quickly released from the hospital and did not require surgery.
While both incidents were certainly serious in nature, both starters avoided the worst case scenario.
In September 2012, Oakland A’s pitcher Brandon McCarthy was hit on the head by a line drive and required emergency surgery to relieve pressure from an epidural hemorrhage.
McCarthy went on to pitch six more seasons but did so with a horseshoe shaped scar on his head.
Written by David Chao, MD
Frightening moment in Colorado, as Ryan Feltner gets hit with a comebacker on the mound. Feltner exited on his own power.
