Miami Marlins star slugger and current NL MVP front runner Giancarlo Stanton was hit in the face by a fastball from Milwaukee pitcher Mike Fiers during last night's Marlins-Brewers game.
Stanton was hit flush in the face, right on the cheek underneath the left eye, and immediately crumpled to the ground in pain, while the crowd moaned in reaction to the noise the ball made as it made contact.
He was bloodied and a stretcher and cart were called in to carry him off the field.
Stanton had to be hospitalized and suffered facial lacerations requiring stitches, multiple facial fractures and dental damage. The Marlins believe he is done for the season.
So to recap: Nothing official from Marlins yet, but it's very clear that Mike Redmond believes Giancarlo Stanton's season is over.
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) September 12, 2014
Fiers was demonstrative and emotional after the hit, expressing regret over a pitch that obviously was not intended to hit Stanton.
However, Fiers did hit Reed Johnson, who stood in for Stanton, with a pitch immediately after, causing the Marlins bench to start yelling at the Brewers' pitcher. Fiers yelled back, and Marlins players charged out of the dugout towards him, causing a bench clearing melee.
Following the game, Fiers took to Twitter to apologize to Stanton:
@Giancarlo818 I am deeply sorry about what happened tonight. I can't imagine what you and your family are going through. (Continue)...
— Mike Fiers (@Fiers64) September 12, 2014
@Giancarlo818 my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I feel horrible and hope for a speedy recovery.
— Mike Fiers (@Fiers64) September 12, 2014
Stanton, who had been hitting .287/.395/.554 with 37 home runs and an MLB-leading 105 RBI, will be returning to Miami Friday.
Meanwhile, athletes, teammates, and fellow MLB players took to Twitter to express their well-wishes to the 24-year-old slugger:
Man I hope @Giancarlo818 is ok! That was nasty. #prayingForYouBro #Marlins
— Jason Taylor (@JasonTaylor) September 12, 2014
Today there is many things to be praying about. But please take a min. and pray for @Giancarlo818
— Mike Dunn (@DunnForAll40) September 12, 2014
That was one of the to hardest things I've ever had to watch here's to hoping Big G is alright and makes a full recovery prayers ur way bud
— Christian Yelich (@ChristianYelich) September 12, 2014
Scary stuff tonight that no one likes to see but we need to all be praying for @Giancarlo818 for good x-ray results and a healthy recovery.
— Steve Cishek (@srSHREK31) September 12, 2014
Get better soon my man @Giancarlo818
— Hanley Ramirez (@HanleyRamirez) September 12, 2014
Dang it!! Hope my boy @Giancarlo818 is ok!! Hate to see that happen!! #mvp #bestwishes #SpeedyRecovery
— ricky nolasco (@RNolasco47) September 12, 2014
Outpouring from fellow players for @Giancarlo818 tells you how close to home moments like this hit. It takes courage to stand in that box
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) September 12, 2014
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