VIDEO: Rays' Garrett Whitley Takes Foul Ball to the Face in Terrifying Moment During Spring Training Game
By Mark Powell
![Tampa Bay Rays minor leaguer Garrett Whitley struck by foul ball in dugout Tampa Bay Rays minor leaguer Garrett Whitley struck by foul ball in dugout](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/dataimagepngbase64iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAABGIAAAJW-bcebbbb4627f1f2b2291e261beeb2ae1.jpg)
You can only extend the netting at major league ballparks so far, and there will unfortunately always be repercussions for playing a game which predicates itself on hitting a small, dense orb as hard as possible. In the Rays' Spring Training game on Monday afternoon against the Baltimore Orioles, Tampa Bay minor league outfielder Garrett Whitley was struck by a screamer in the dugout. The ball appeared to hit Whitley in the face, and he was quickly rushed into the clubhouse for treatment.
Scary moment in Sarasota. #Rays player wearing No. 81 seated in the dugout is struck in the face by a bouncing foul ball off Renato Nunez's bat. He was quickly escorted to the clubhouse by trainers. pic.twitter.com/cWFXhm0lMt
— Josh Tolentino (@JCTSports) March 2, 2020
At just 22 years of age, Whitley has never made it past the Single-A level. However, his major league aspirations will take a backseat for now as he works his way back from what's become a truly dangerous situation.
For now, the Rays are being vague in describing the injury and detailing possible treatment.
#Rays say Garrett Whitley was struck by the ball in the dugout and has a right facial injury. Will undergo further testing.
— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) March 2, 2020
Our thoughts go out to the young outfielder and his family in what's become a scary moment for all involved.