A day after he was struck in the head by a line drive, the Rockies announced that pitcher Ryan Feltner sustained a fractured skull and a concussion but will not need surgery. He was hospitalized overnight and is expected to be released sometime on Sunday, per The Athletic‘s Nick Groke.
Feltner was hit during the second inning of Saturday’s game against the Reds when Nick Castellanos hit a line drive up the middle. Statcast measured the exit velocity of the ball, which struck Feltner on the back of his head, at 92.7 mph. He was tended to by medical staff and ultimately walked off the field with the assistance of two trainers.
Frightening moment in Colorado, as Ryan Feltner gets hit with a comebacker on the mound. Feltner exited on his own power. pic.twitter.com/9VbghmNNMe
— Casey Drottar (@CDrottar19) May 14, 2023
“Overall, he’s fine,” Rockies manager Bud Black said Sunday, per ESPN. “I think the feeling is that it could have been worse.”
The team placed Feltner on the 15-day injured list, though Black indicated it will likely be a months-long absence for the right-hander. Black also said that Feltner could rejoin the team early next week.
“He just needs time to let the fractures heal and the concussion to diminish,” Black said. “From everything that I’ve been told here this morning, things are looking up.”
