Minnesota Twins shortstop Kyle Farmer took a 92-mph pitch to the face on Wednesday before walking off the field under his own power.
The 32-year-old journeyman infielder was hit below his helmet’s brim by Chicago White Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito, who immediately covered his own face in horror after seeing the impact.
'Goodness gracious,' responded White Sox announcer Steve Stone. 'Oh no.'
Twins manager Rocco Baldelli promptly rushed out to Farmer, along with members of Minnesota’s training staff.
Farmer laid face down for a few minutes as the Twins tended to him, before he climbed to his feet and walked slowly to the dugout with a towel pressed against his face and his head hunched down.
The initial diagnosis was announced by the Twins as a jaw injury after the 92 mph pitch from Giolito ran inside and knocked Farmer to the dirt.
Willi Castro entered as a pinch-runner for Farmer, who was acquired in offseason trade with Cincinnati. He has started seven of 12 games for the Twins, filling in at second base for Jorge Polanco and more recently at shortstop for Carlos Correa.
Polanco (left knee inflammation) is on the injured list along with three other regulars: Joey Gallo, Max Kepler and Alex Kirilloff. Correa (mid-back spasms) missed his fourth straight game on Wednesday. He could return to the lineup on Thursday.
Currently in his first year in Minnesota, Farmer is best known for his four-year stint in Cincinnati, where he hit 30 home runs over the last two seasons.
The Atlanta native is a married father, who is currently on a one-year, $5.5 million deal with Minnesota.
He’s earned more than $10 million over his seven-year career, according to Spotrac.