Giancarlo Stanton Video: Marlins Star Hit In Face By Pitch, Suffers Facial Fractures

Miami Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton was taken off the field on a stretcher Thursday night after he was struck in the face by a wild pitch from Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Mike Fiers. The 24-year-old suffered multiple injuries, including facial fractures and cuts that required stitches, reports said.

“We’ve lost our MVP,” Marlins manager Mike Redmond told reporters after the game, according to ESPN. “It doesn’t look good.”

The incident occurred during the fifth inning of the Marlins’ 4-2 loss to the Brewers. Fiers lost control of an 88-mph fastball and Stanton – who was attempting to check his swing – was struck directly in the face.

Trainers from both teams rushed to administer first aid to Stanton. His father, who had been sitting in the front row, also appeared by his side to say a few words. Eventually, an ambulance carried Marlins star off the field. Afterwards, so much of Stanton’s blood remained in the batter’s box that members of the Brewers grounds crew had to use scrapers to remove it, the Miami Herald reports.

Marlins reserve Reed Johnson replaced the injured Stanton. Fiers hit Johnson in the wrist with the first pitch he threw after play resumed, which prompted a bench-clearing confrontation between both teams. The situation did not escalate beyond some pushing and shoving, but Redmond and Marlins third baseman Casey McGehee were ejected.

After the game, Fiers took to Twitter to apologize to Stanton for his errant pitch. “I am deeply sorry about what happened tonight. I can’t imagine what you and your family are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I feel horrible and hope for a speedy recovery,” he wrote.

Stanton is expected to meet with doctors in Miami today for further evaluation, the Marlins said Friday morning. There is no timetable on his return. As of Friday, Stanton led the National League in both home runs (37) and runs batted in (105).