Jason Vargas takes a cup shot on a come-backer to the mound (video)

Jason Vargas took a line drive of the nards during Monday’s game against the Twins.

I feel Jason Vargas’s pain. Well not really. He was hit in the groin after a come-backer to the mound on Monday night; I just feel like somebody kicked me in the beans after having to pull a clopen.

With one on and one out in the bottom of the fifth, Vargas caught an 0-1 line drive from Minnesota’s Aaron Hicks right in the sweet spot. He was able to record the out before taking a little time to compose himself.

Just about every guy’s nightmare when taking the mound (the kind rarely ever spoken about, but something hidden deep within the recesses one’s mind), you can hear the pain in announcer Rex Hudler’s voice just in calling the play.

Since pain don’t hurt, Vargas would nut up and pitch 1 1/3 more innings before handing the game over to his bullpen for the closeout.

Following the game, manager Ned Yost had to tap dance around one intrepid reporter’s questions, ever so delicately trying to find the words to explain that his pitcher was hit in the twig and berries.

Love the reporter’s followup: “That must suck.” Good call, chief. When does having your clown punched in ever not suck? Then again, it’s probably the most honest, visceral reaction he could have. All professionalism goes out the window when talking nut-shots; guy code takes over. You laugh, crack wise and then empathize – we’ve all been there.

Ball jokes ahoy!

And since we’re not all about sophomoric humor here at FanSided (at least I think not … I’m still kinda new to the gig), here’s a quick recap of the game. For all his effort, Vargas would take the win and push his record to 5-2.