MLB star forced to exit game after being hit in head by 99mph fastball

Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Amed Rosario had to leave Saturday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates after being struck in the face with a 99mph fastball off a pitch from Pirates rookie Jared Jones.

Footage on social media shows that Jones’ third pitch to the right-handed Rosario went up and in, striking Rosario’s helmet in the first inning.

Rosario crouched over for several moments at scorching PNC Park – where the game-time temperature was 95 degrees – before being helped off the field by members of the Tampa Bay training staff.

Richie Palacios pinch-ran for Rosario. Palacios then took over at second base at the bottom of the first, while starting second baseman Jose Caballero slid over to third to take Rosario’s spot on defense.

Rosario was the second Tampa player hit by Jones in the top of the first. 

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The pitcher crouched by the mound, looking downward, as it seemed that he felt bad for having hit his opponent. 

Jones also hit designated hitter Brandon Lowe in the side earlier.   

Control hasn’t been an issue much this year for Jones, who entered Saturday with 22 walks and two hit batters in 79 innings.

The 22-year-old right-hander has an ERA of 3.76 this season. He lasted seven innings on Saturday, allowing three hits, two runs, two earned runs, three walks and eight strikeouts.

The Pirates won the game, 4-3.