Toronto Blue Jays left-hander J.A. Happ is in good condition in a Tampa-area hospital and expected to be released Wednesday after he was hit in the head with a line drive during Tuesday night’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field.
The team said in a release issued Wednesday morning that Happ was in “good spirits” with a head contusion and laceration to his left ear. He apparently escaped a more serious injury in a scary incident that saw him bleeding profusely and carried off the field on a stretcher.
“He was responsive and doing well,” the Blue Jays said in a statement. “We anticipate that he will be discharged (Wednesday) after testing.”
Happ, 30, was transported to Bayfront Medical Center after taking a shot off the bat of the Rays’ Desmond Jennings in the second inning. The sound of the impact of the ball striking Happ’s head could be heard as far away as the press box. The ball bounced down the right-field line into foul territory as Happ fell face down on the mound.
“I’m in good spirits,” Happ said. “I definitely appreciate the support of the baseball community. It’s been overwhelming, the messages and kind words I’ve been getting. I just want to thank everyone for that. And I look forward to getting back out there soon.”
Jennings stood on third base with hands on his head after the hit resulted in a two-run triple. Other players were visibly concerned as Happ received medical attention for eight minutes on the field. The game resumed after an 11-minute delay.
The Blue Jays rallied for a 6-4 victory over the Rays.
Happ joined the Blue Jays last July after a trade with Houston. He suffeed a season-ending broken right foot in September.