Every time you step into the batter's box, you're putting yourself at risk. Sure, the pitchers in the big leagues are the best of the best, but every now and then a ball will get away from the guy on the mound, and things can go wrong in a hurry.
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Unfortunately for Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Rich Hill, he was on the wrong end of a fastball on Friday.
In the bottom of the fourth inning, in a 2-2 game against the San Diego Padres, Hill was up to bat and was unable to get out of the way of a pitch from Clayton Richard. Hill ended up taking it right in the throat before collapsing in agony.
Thankfully, Hill was okay. But, at 37 years old, if retirement wasn't already dancing across his mind, it might be now. Taking a pitch to the Adam's apple can make a guy think things over.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts spoke to the media after the game and expressed how nervous he and the rest of the Dodgers were when Hill went down.
"Initially, I didn't know if it got him on the wrist," he said. "And then I see him holding his throat and so obviously, such a sensitive area. I think, from the initial thoughts and talking the medical staff, we dodged a bullet."
Hill finished the game having given up five hits and two runs in six innings of work. San Diego ended up taking the 4-3 victory, though.
As of right now, Hill is on track to make his next start on Friday when the Dodgers visit the Detroit Tigers.
