Blue Jays Pitcher Beaned by Line Drive, Hospitalized

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher JA Happ is in stable condition in the hospital after being hit in the head by a searing line drive from the bat of Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Desmond Jennings. Play at Tropicana Stadium was halted for 11 minutes while Happ, who was bleeding but conscious, was treated on the field and stretchered off, the Tampa Tribune reports. After the injury, the Jays rallied to score a 6-4 victory over the Rays.

"I just saw it come off the bat hot, and when it hit him I know it hit him hard," says Ryan Roberts, who was next up to bat. "I instantly started praying for him. That's a situation you never want to see. It's unfortunate. I hope he recovers and hope he's back pitching as soon as possible." Oakland A's pitcher Brandon McCarthy spent six days in hospital after being hit by a line drive last fall and Major League Baseball officials say they are considering safety measures including Kevlar-lined caps for pitchers, the AP reports. (More Toronto Blue Jays stories.)