VIDEO: Rays' Garrett Whitley Takes Foul Ball to the Face in Terrifying Moment During Spring Training Game
By Mark Powell
You can only extend the netting at major league ballparks so far, and there will unfortunately always be repercussions for playing a game which predicates itself on hitting a small, dense orb as hard as possible. In the Rays' Spring Training game on Monday afternoon against the Baltimore Orioles, Tampa Bay minor league outfielder Garrett Whitley was struck by a screamer in the dugout. The ball appeared to hit Whitley in the face, and he was quickly rushed into the clubhouse for treatment.
Scary moment in Sarasota. #Rays player wearing No. 81 seated in the dugout is struck in the face by a bouncing foul ball off Renato Nunez's bat. He was quickly escorted to the clubhouse by trainers. pic.twitter.com/cWFXhm0lMt
— Josh Tolentino (@JCTSports) March 2, 2020
At just 22 years of age, Whitley has never made it past the Single-A level. However, his major league aspirations will take a backseat for now as he works his way back from what's become a truly dangerous situation.
For now, the Rays are being vague in describing the injury and detailing possible treatment.
#Rays say Garrett Whitley was struck by the ball in the dugout and has a right facial injury. Will undergo further testing.
— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) March 2, 2020
Our thoughts go out to the young outfielder and his family in what's become a scary moment for all involved.