Aroldis Chapman hospitalized with facial fractures

The Cuban lefty was hit in the face by a line drive in a Spring Training game

HAVANA TIMES — Aroldis Chapman, the star closer of the Cincinnati Reds, suffered a fracture above his left eye and a nose fracture when he was hit by a line drive in a game Wednesday in Arizona against the Kansas City Royals.

Chapman, 26, was scheduled for surgery on Thursday at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix and the Reds medical director Dr. Tim Kremcheck informed the press that “a metal plate would be placed on the bone above Chapman’s eye to stabilize the injury.”

The doctor said Chapman suffered a mild concussion, but no other brain injury. “His eyes are fine. Right now, he’s a very lucky guy. He was very well taken care of here in Arizona. He’s at the right place, the right hospital. He’s got some very good doctors taking care of him.”

After being struck by the liner, Chapman was face down on the ground for several minutes and then transported by ambulance to the hospital where he was first in observation.  His stunned teammates were all around him and many later visited him at the hospital, likewise the Royals catcher Salvador Perez, who had hit Chapman’s 99 mph back to the box.

Dr. Kremcheck was asked if Chapman would be back to pitch during the 2014 season. He said “absolutely” and that he could begin throwing again in two to three weeks on flat ground and possibly begin working out on the mound in six to eight weeks.