BOSTON — The Red Sox dodged a potential disaster Tuesday afternoon.
Prior to Boston's game game against the Mariners, starting pitcher Felix Doubront — who was in the outfield playing catch — was struck in the head by a baseball during batting practice.
The 24-year-old was down for a few seconds before leaving the field with the team's medical staff. Shortly after the incident, the lefty passed by the Red Sox clubhouse and downplayed concerns.
"The ball [was] hit off the fungo, and I didn't see the ball," Doubront said. "But I'm fine."
He underwent and passed concussion exams in the hours before the game, which was good news for Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine.
"Whenever anybody comes off the field, you hold your breath, but he tested fine," Valentine said. "He feels good. He knows where he is. He knows where he's going. Thank goodness it just hit his ear. I think he's going to be just fine."
In seven starts this season, Doubront is 3-1 with a 4.46 ERA and 37 strikeouts.
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