-Ed-Mulholland-USA-TODAY-Sports-80
(New York, NY) – Yet another horrifying pitch to the face has left another baseball player seriously injured; this time Minnesota Twins shortstop Kyle Farmer.
During a game against the Chicago White Sox at Target Field, Farmer was struck directly in the mouth by a 92 mph fastball from right hander Lucas Giolito.
Video: https://twitter.com/Mike_Kurland/status/1646217596629401603?s=20
Giolito immediately raised his hands to his head while Farmer went down and remained on the ground for several minutes. He was helped to his feet and walked off applying a towel to his face with his head hunched down.
Farmer was forced to undergo oral surgery, with four bottom teeth realigned, and stitches to his lower lip. The Twins designated hitter says the atmosphere in the team dugout was eerie and entirely silent for most of the game’s remainder. Manager Rocco Baldelli praised his team for continuing, adding it was difficult for him to do his job.
Amazingly, x-rays came back negative for any fractures, which Baldelli called “probably some sort of miracle.”
“Thank god we got the news that was better than what we were expecting. One of the more difficult days that you’re going to have at a ballpark. You just can’t stop thinking about him and what he’s gone through and what he’s about to go through.”
White Sox manager Pedro Grifol wished Farmer a speedy recovery and noted the difficulty associated with pitchers throwing harder than ever was also attacking up in the strike zone. Chicago eventually won the game 3-1.
It’s unclear how long Farmer will be out following the dental procedure.
