Marlins pitcher OK after being hit in head by liner

Miami Marlins starting pitcher Daniel Castano was hit on the forehead by a 104 mph line drive off the bat of Donovan Solano in the first inning of Thursday’s game against the Reds in Cincinnati.

The ball hit the bill of Castano’s cap and ricocheted off the crown, Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. The team said Castano showed mild concussion symptoms and was bruised. A CT scan was normal.

“I’m not sure what happened,” said Castano after the game. wearing a bandage on his forehead where some skin had scraped off. “I was down for a second. I was a little out of if. When I woke up, I asked, ‘What happened?’ I’m much better now. I’m a little bit tired, but I’ll be all right.”

The 27-year-old left-hander fell to the field on his knees and held a hand to his head as Mattingly, catcher Jacob Stallings

and athletic trainers went to the mound to check on him. Castano did not appear to lose consciousness.

“It’s a little bit scary,” Mattingly said. “Your biggest fear is damage. He’s about as good as could be expected.”

Castano rose to his feet about 90 seconds later and left the field under his own power, a towel draped over his neck, after Solano walked over, put a hand on his shoulder and spoke with the pitcher.

The ball was hit so hard it caromed to third baseman Joey Wendle, who caught it for the out.

“I’m just glad we got the out,” Castano said, smiling.

Castano faced just five batters before getting hurt. He allowed one run on two hits and hit a batter.

He is 2-7 in 17 starts and five relief appearances in his big league career, which started with the Marlins in 2020. He was recalled from Triple-A Jacksonville to make the start.