The Grand Old Game

Struck By Liner From Bat Of Opposing Pitcher

Atlanta RHP Kenshin Kawakami was struck in the neck by a line drive during the third inning of today’s Yankees-Braves game. Yankee RHP Joba Chamberlain was the batter, who was retired on the play as SS Yunel Escobar fielded the ball to throw him out, but Kawakami had to be removed from the game for precautionary reasons. Later exam showed a contusion to the right side of the Atlanta hurler’s neck, but no serious injury. He was replaced by rookie RHP Kris Medlen, who held the Yankees scoreless until surrendering a solo shot to C Francisco Cervelli, his first ever ML home run.

My Take: An incident like this can completely alter a pitcher’s approach and effectiveness. If the ball had hit him even an inch or so higher, we’d be talking about significant injury and possibly a couple of months on the DL, at best.

Outlook: Kawakami has been very good, as of late, and while he shouldn’t miss a start because of this I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s a little shaky in his next few starts.