Pitcher Remains in Game After Being Hit by 108.5 mph Comebacker

A starting pitcher was hit by a 108.5 mph comebacker that struck his left calf in the bottom of the first inning on May 9, 2026 in Milwaukee. The pitcher remained in the game after evaluation by the manager and head trainer. He delivered six shutout innings, allowing just two singles and striking out six while not permitting any runner to reach second base.

The performance lowered his ERA to a major league-best 1.35 through nine starts. 177 against him this season. The pitcher said he was not really concerned after the game, even as the imprint of the ball remained visible on his calf.

"Not really concerned," the pitcher said. "Obviously he got me good. " The right-hander was in obvious pain immediately after the impact and received a visit from the manager and head trainer. After conversation, he threw three warmup pitches, two of which sailed high, before being cleared to continue.

The manager said he repeatedly asked the pitcher to be truthful about his condition. The pitcher struck out the next batter on a 98 mph fastball to end the first inning, though he hobbled off the mound.

Managing the Injury Through the Game After the top of the second inning, the pitcher did not immediately return to the mound as a delay occurred while his calf was wrapped. He performed exercises between innings to keep the area loose and prevent tightening.

In the third inning, he stumbled while trying to field a comebacker and slipped out of his delivery on the following batter. Another hard grounder was hit back at him in the fourth, but he avoided further contact. The pitcher noted that he has now been hit by two comebackers in consecutive starts, including one to his quad in his previous outing.

He said he let up several balls up the middle and hoped to get a breather next week.