Plenty of position players have adopted the helmet flap to protect themselves from up and in pitches, but what’s safeguarding pitchers? Still nothing! None of them want to adopt the ridiculous looking protective cap last seen on reliever Alex Torres a couple years ago, so they just trot out and hope for the best.
That didn’t work out so well for Jordan Zimmermann today, who unfortunately took a line drive off the bat of Jason Kipnis to the face. He would be pulled from the game but was able to walk off the field himself.
Terrifying moment for Jordan Zimmermann pic.twitter.com/zhOR2WWmgB
— MLBdream (@MLBdream) April 11, 2018
The Tigers’ Twitter account is saying Zimmermann suffered a jaw contusion, at the very least:
Jordan Zimmermann left tonight's game with a right jaw contusion and is still being evaluated by the #Tigers medical staff.
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) April 11, 2018
Update: He’s reportedly passed concussion protocol.
Zimmermann passed concussion protocol, Tigers announce. He's on his way to get x-rays.
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) April 11, 2018
Obviously the padded hat wouldn’t have done much in this specific situation, but it’s better than nothing, right?
Maybe add a facemask to this eyesore:
"#Alex #Torres wore a protective hat tonight. I haven't seen a #pitcher wear one before." #baseball #mlb #sports pic.twitter.com/aKqZkvN0Ak
— RussellHodson2 (@RussellHodson2) November 15, 2016