MLB PLAYER NEWS

Reds’ Chapman cleared to throw BP

The Sports Xchange

April 18, 2014 at 4:40 pm.

Cincinnati Reds' closer Aroldis Chapman's . (Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)

Left-hander Aroldis Chapman, the Cincinnati Reds’ closer, has been cleared to pitch batting practice for the first time since he was hit in the face by a line drive during an exhibition game on March 10.

Chapman sustained fractures of his nose and a bone above his left eye when hit by a line drive off the bat of Salvador Perez of the Kansas City Royals.

”Our concern initially was anything that might come up and bounce and hit him in the face, and if he would be at a higher risk for further injury, and he’s been given the clearance on that,” Reds manager Bryan Price said. ”So he’s a full-go in that regard.”

Price said he wasn’t sure exactly when Chapman will pitch for the first time, but added that it probably will come during the Reds’ 10-game trip that ends April 27. He added that Chapman will go on a minor league rehab assignment before rejoining the Reds.

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