Marlins pitcher Dan Jennings was later diagnosed with concussion after this accidental blow to the head courtesy of the batter he was facing.
Earlier this season, talk of helmets for pitchers to prevent possible concussions was mooted in Major League Baseball but no rules or regulations regarding protective headgear were established.
This incident, though rare, is why the sport may have to change. In last night’s game between the Marlins and the Pirates, pitcher Dan Jennings had to leave the game after batter Jordy Mercer blasted a ball right back at his head.
You will see Jennings stumble and look clearly concussed as he leaves the field, a diagnosis later confirmed in hospital.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2CnL8xicv4
Thankfully, Jennings is okay, as he tweeted, but this blow to the head was just the latest one of this nature in recent times. The optional pitcher helmets may have to become compulsory, for the player’s health and safety.
The scans were negative-it seems I’m going to be ok. The support shown tonight has been unbelievable, speechless. God is amazing
— Dan Jennings (@LtDanJennings) August 8, 2014
