Marlins' Stanton Hit In Head By Pitch During Practice
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The Miami Marlins have precious little talent to spare on their main roster and the team almost lost it's only All-Star during a simulated game Wednesday in Jupiter, Florida.
Giancarlo Stanton was hit in the back of the helmet by a pitch from the Marlins' top prospect, Jose Fernandez. Stanton stayed on his feet after the ball knocked his helmet off, but quickly left the game. The right fielder said the beaning impacted his eyesight.
"I wasn't dizzy," Stanton said. "I saw a little grayness and fuzziness on the outside of my eyes, but it's subsiding now."
The Marlins officially said there was no sign of a concussion, but that X-rays would still be performed as a precaution. Fernandez, a 2011 first-round pick and top 10 overall prospect according to MLB.com, was distraught after hitting Stanton.
"Over 95 mph, I know it was. It's a scary moment," Fernandez said. "My hands were sweating a lot. It was just not a good pitch. I feel bad. It's not a good feeling, I promise you."
The good news for Marlins fans is that Stanton should not miss any time and Fernandez's velocity will make him a dangerous starter of the future for the Marlins. Fernandez is expected to start in Double-A Jacksonville but could make the main roster sometime this summer.
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