JAYS PITCHER HIT IN HEAD

LAKELAND, Fla. — Toronto pitching prospect T.J. House took a line drive off his head Friday, and the sickening thud preceded a stunned silence at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium.

The ball, off the bat of Detroit Tigers catcher John Hicks, hit House so hard it rocketed at least 20 feet in the air — and was caught for an out by Toronto catcher Mike Ohlman, who then ran to the fallen pitcher and immediately signalled for medical help. House remained prone on the field for about 15 minutes. The 27-year-old from Louisiana gave a thumbs up to the crowd as he was eventually moved into an ambulance. “It’s scary, you know?” manager John Gibbons said after the game, which was ended after the incident with Detroit trailing 6-2. “He was talking, he could feel everything, so hopefully that’s a good sign.” House was transported to a nearby trauma clinic. The Blue Jays later said testing results were “normal” and he would remain in hospital overnight for observation.