Before the Cubs-Red Sox game went crazy Saturday night because of Boston's late defensive hijinks, a truly frightening moment happened in the second inning.
Cubs outfielder Marlon Byrd was sent to the hospital after being hit on the left side of his face, just below his eye, with a pitch by right-hander Alfredo Aceves. Byrd immediately dropped to the ground, causing everyone to fear the worst as he kicked his legs in the air and writhed in pain.
"This is not a pitcher's arm that's a little sore," Cubs manager Mike Quade said. "This is serious stuff."
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However, Byrd quickly stood up under his own power to be examined by the team's training staff. A frightening-looking gash could be seen under his left eye as he walked to the Cubs' dugout. Byrd stayed overnight as doctors conducted several exams, including CT scans and tests for concussion-related symptoms.
The good news: ESPN's John Kruk gave an encouraging update Sunday afternoon on "Baseball Tonight."
Kruk said that he'd spoken with Byrd over the phone and was told he would be released from the hospital later in the day. Byrd's left eye is swollen shut and the Chicago Tribune reports that the Cubs will likely place him on the 15-day disabled list.
Byrd, thankfully, has not suffered as Atlanta Braves minor league manager Luis Salazar did.
The beaning Saturday was the fifth time Byrd had been hit by a pitch this season. (All of the plunkings had occurred since May 11.) The pitch in question was a 92 mph fastball thrown inside on 1-and-2 count. Aceves also hit Kosuke Fukudome to lead off the game, but said he did not hit Byrd intentionally. Boston slugger Kevin Youkilis also was hit by a pitch — to set a team record — but Cubs right-hander Carlos Zambrano said he was not retaliating.
A plurality of Cubs players seemed to agree that Byrd's incident was an accident, and just part of the game. But it's curious that they've been getting hit by pitches so frequently in recent games. It's occurred 13 times since May 6, to be exact.
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