Cleveland, OH (My Sportsbook) - Kansas City Royals outfielder Mitch Maier was hit in the face by a pitch from Cleveland's Zach Jackson on Wednesday. The left-handed Maier, trying to sacrifice a pair of runners into scoring position with a bunt, couldn't get out of the way of Jackson's up-and-in offering in the fifth inning. The ball caromed off Maier's helmet before hitting his right cheek and nose, and he fell to the ground before leaving under his own power with a towel over his face. He was taken to a local hospital to be evaluated, which confirmed a fractured cheekbone, an orbital floor fracture and a zygomatic fracture. The Royals placed Maier on the 15-day disabled list after the game and called up outfielder Joey Gathright from Triple-A Omaha. Gathright, who has been sidelined with a bone bruise in his right shoulder, hit .251 with 36 runs scored in 82 games with the big club this season. The Indians went on to win the game, 8-5. |
