A terrifying scene unfolded at Steinbrenner Field on Thursday night as Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Hunter Bigge was struck in the face by a 105 mph foul ball while in the dugout. The incident occurred during the top of the seventh inning when Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman’s foul ball sailed into the Rays’ dugout, directly hitting Bigge.
Emergency medical personnel quickly responded and after a tense few minutes, Bigge was carefully placed on a backboard and stretchered off the field. Despite the severity of the situation, manager Kevin Cash reported that Bigge remained conscious and coherent throughout the ordeal, giving a reassuring thumbs-up to the concerned crowd before his departure. The game was temporarily halted for eight minutes before resuming, with the Orioles ultimately securing a 4-1 victory.
Bigge, who was already on the 15-day injured list due to a lat strain, is currently undergoing tests at a local hospital. The Rays organization and fans alike are anxiously awaiting updates on his condition. His positive response and the fact that he did not lose consciousness offer a glimmer of hope amidst the shock and concern.
The 27-year-old right-hander was originally drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 2019 before being traded to Tampa Bay in 2024. In his relatively short MLB career, Bigge has displayed impressive pitching skills, boasting a 2.51 career ERA and one save across 32 appearances. This season, he holds a solid 2.40 ERA in 13 relief outings. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks faced by players in baseball, even those sitting in the dugout.
The entire baseball community is sending its best wishes to Bigge for a speedy and full recovery.
