The Kansas City Royals placed pitcher Ryan Yarbrough on the 15-day injured list on Monday, a day after he suffered a line drive.
The team noted that Yarbrough had a “head fracture”, but did not provide further details of his condition. Monday's announcement,
The incident occurred in the top of the sixth inning of Kansas City's home game against the Oakland A's. With the Royals leading 2–1 with one out, Yarbrough threw a 3–2 sinker to A's first baseman Ryan Noda, who made a comeback. Yarbrough tried to duck as he completed his followthrough, but the line drive hit the left side of his face.
Yarbrough collapsed on the mound as catcher Salvador Pérez collected the ball to throw out Noda to first.
Luckily, Yarbrough was able to walk off the field. He got to his feet with some assistance and walked into the Royals' dugout covering his face with a towel. Carlos Hernandez replaced him on the mound.
The extent of Yarbrough's injuries was initially unclear. Royals manager Matt Quartaro told reporters after the game that Yarbrough was alert and responsive. He was taken to a local hospital for evaluation.
“It was scary,” Quatro said. “The dugout went silent, everybody. Your heart drops. Your stomach gets a pit. I can't think of a worse thing to see on the field.
“Luckily when we got out there, he was talking and knew what was happening and what happened. He was swollen immediately. There was some blood. You had absolutely no idea where it was coming from.” . As far as how he's doing, he's alert. And they've taken him to get some tests done.”
The incident ended a strong day on the mound for Yarbrough, who allowed three hits and one run over 5 2/3 innings of work. He was credited with the win in the Royals' 5–1 victory.
The 31-year-old Yarbrough is in his first season as a starter for the Royals, after spending his first five mlb seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays.