Christian Walker hit in the head by 97mph fastball
The Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Christian Walker left the game after a high fastball from Cincinnati Reds pitcher Alexis Diaz struck his helmet.
In the eighth inning of the Arizona Diamondbacks’ 5-4 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday, reliever Alexis Diaz had one get away from him, striking Christian Walker’s helmet. The 96.6 MPH fastball appeared to slip from Diaz grip and appeared to hit Walker on the edge of his protective head gear, just at the edge of his face.
Walker stumbled back and, without hesitation, exited the game and walked directly to the dressing room, holding his head.
Both teams collectively held their breath for a moment, remembering with horror the last time Walker was struck in the head by a pitch. In September of 2018, LA Dodgers pitcher Kenta Maeda had a fastball hit Walker in the face, leaving the Diamondbacks first baseman with a fractured sinus and needing surgery. He had to have his jaw wired shut and lived on a liquid diet for one month, a horrific experience that makes any pitch like this doubly serious.
Further medical examination in the clubhouse gave Walker the all clear. It is reported that he has a facial contusion but no serious injury. Jake Hager came into the game to replace Walker at first base. Walker is currently leading the Diamondbacks with 15 home runs and came into the game with a .202 batting average.
When the unfortunate incident happened, Arizona was trailing the Reds 3-1, but with a rally in the ninth, they took the lead 5-3. The Reds managed to pull one back in the bottom half on a solo shot by Matt Reynolds, but the Diamondbacks closed the door to get the win 5-4.