Detroit pitcher Kenta Maeda says he's OK despite taking line drive off glove and stomach vs. Angels
Tigers Angels Baseball
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Detroit Tigers pitcher Kenta Maeda should be on schedule to make his next start despite being hit by a liner during during the sixth inning of Friday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels.
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Kenta Maeda throws to a Los Angeles Angels batter during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, June 28, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Taylor Ward's liner up the middle appeared to hit Maeda on his right hip, but it first went off his glove hand and then his stomach as the ball deflected toward first base. Maeda tried running to the bag as Mark Canha fielded the ball, but he grimaced and dropped to his knee in pain before getting to first base.
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Kenta Maeda warms up before taking the mound during the first inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Friday, June 28, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
The 36-year old Japanese right-hander, who came in with a 2-4 record, walked back to the mound and then to the dugout on his own after talking to manager A.J. Hinch and trainers.
Hinch said he took Maeda out because he was at 87 pitches and Kevin Pillar was the next batter.
“I was surprised,” Maeda said through an interpreter about the comebacker. “It would have been nice if I could have made the play.”
Maeda allowed two runs and six hits and struck out four in 5 1/3 innings. He left with the score tied 2-2.
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