Miami Marlins’ Dan Jennings takes line drive to head (Video)
By Phil Watson
Miami Marlins left-hander Dan Jennings lived a pitcher’s worst nightmare Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park as he was struck in the side of the head by a line drive.
Jordy Mercer of the Pirates hit the hard comebacker at him. The ball caromed high off Jennings’ head and was caught by shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria in the infield dirt.
As you can see on the video below, Jennings got to his feet immediately after he was hit and took about three steps before he went down to his knees:
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Jennings never lost consciousness and waved to fans as he was taken off the field.
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He had struck out All-Star Josh Harrison before surrendering the liner to Mercer.
For the season, the 27-year-old lefty reliever has a 1.03 ERA and 1.49 WHIP in 35 innings over 38 appearances, with 31 strikeouts.
Jennings was a ninth-round pick by the then-Florida Marlins in 2008 out of the University of Nebraska and made his big-league debut in April 2012.
He has a 2.38 ERA and 1.437 WHIP in 107 career relief appearances covering 94.2 innings, with 78 strikeouts.
It’s a certainty that Jennings will miss at least some time, as he will have to pass MLB’s concussion protocols.
The Marlins lost to the Pirates, 7-2.