By Randsom Rockliffe
Aroldis Chapman, the Cincinnati Reds pitcher who was hit in the face by a line drive Wednesday night during a spring-training game in Surprise, remained under medical supervision Thursday and will undergo surgery.
Chapman was facing Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez in the bottom of the sixth inning at the Royals’ home ballpark in Surprise when the at-bat took a sudden, violent turn.
A 26-year-old Cuban defector nicknamed the “Cuban Missile,” Chapman, a left-hander, is known for consistently breaking the 100mphmark with his fastball. He was struck in the face by a searing line drive off the bat of Perez and was hospitalized from the impact.
Chapman was taken to nearby Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center and then transferred to Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center in central Phoenix, where he was kept overnight for observa- tion.
According to Reds medical director Dr. Timothy Kremchek, Chapman suffered a mild concussion, but his vision was unaffected. Kremchek said Chapman will have surgery to insert a plate and screws above his left eye.
Reds spokesman Rob Butcher said that Chapman will remain at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center in Phoenix for a few more days.
Tests indicated that he suffered fractures above his left eye and nose, and the Reds organization tweeted that he is not expected to pitch again until May.
A Surprise Fire Department official said that Chapman was responding appropriately following the incident and during transportation to the hospital.
Coaches, trainers, medical personnel and players from both teams gathered around the pitcher’s mound where Chapman was lying on his stomach after being hit. The night game was eventually called early after he was taken off the field on a stretcher.