Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman was visibly shaken after a foul ball he hit struck Tampa Bay Rays reliever Hunter Bigge in the face during Thursday night’s game. The incident occurred at George M. Steinbrenner Field amidst Baltimore’s 4-1 victory, prompting concern for Bigge, who was quickly taken to a hospital near Tampa for evaluation. Rutschman expressed deep concern for Bigge’s condition and recovery after witnessing the frightening event firsthand.

Details of the Incident and Immediate Response

The dangerous moment happened in the seventh inning when a 105.1 mph line drive from Rutschman’s bat hit Bigge on the right side of his face while he leaned against the dugout railing. Rays pitcher Connor Seabold had just delivered the pitch. Though Bigge never lost consciousness, he was fitted with a neck brace and transported off the field for medical attention, giving a thumbs-up gesture as he left. The game was halted as team personnel tended to him.

Reactions from Players and Coaches

Rays manager Kevin Cash shared his sympathy for Bigge and his wife, highlighting the distressing nature of the incident.

Certainly you feel for Hunter and his wife. I can’t imagine what she and he were going through,

Cash remarked.

Scary for everybody, none more than them.

Outfielder Jake Mangum, who witnessed the moment from 350 feet away, described the scene as terrifying.

Being out in the outfield, I didn’t really see much. I heard it, though. I was 350 feet away. I heard every bit of it,

Mangum said. It was just scary.

Orioles interim manager Tony Mansolino also reflected on the vulnerability players often feel.

It’s really scary. It’s terrifying. I mean, we all sit in these dugouts every night, and in a lot of ways you kind of feel like sitting ducks a lot of nights,

Mansolino shared.

It’s just terrifying. Wish the best for the player that got hit.

Next Steps and Outlook for Hunter Bigge

Bigge, 27, showed awareness and was able to communicate after the impact, which brought some initial relief to teammates and fans. The Rays planned to provide an update on his condition the following day. This frightening episode underscores the risks players face on the field and the importance of ongoing support and medical care in high-speed sports situations. As Rutschman and others hope for Bigge’s full recovery, attention will remain focused on his health as the Rays monitor his progress.