Austin Hedges takes fastball to head in terrifying moment (Video)

Cleveland Indians catcher Austin Hedges got a major scare when he took a fastball to the head while batting against the Seattle Mariners.

Austin Hedges just became a posterchild for MLB batting helmets in their current form.

The Indians catcher was at the plate facing Mariners pitcher Justin Dunn when a fastball came straight for his face.

The misaimed pitch connected with his helmet right at the temple.

Without that protection, Hedges could have been in serious trouble. Thankfully, he was wearing a batting helmet with an extension at the cheek.

Indians catcher Austin Hedges took a pitch to the head

Incredibly, Hedges was able to stay in the game. He took his base in the bottom of the third and made it to third before the inning ended on a strikeout.

Hedges came out to catch for Aaron Civale in the top of the fourth. However, he was replaced by Rene Rivera in the fifth. The team didn’t immediately update the catcher’s status or indicate the reason for his removal.

By the time Hedges left, the Indians had complete control of the game. They had a three-run first inning, added another run in the second, then expanded their lead to 5-0 on a Bobby Bradley home run in the third.