By Jon Weisman
The prognosis looks good for Sandy Koufax, who was hit in the left side of the forehead by an Andre Ethier drive during batting practice today at Camelback Ranch, but it sure had to come as a huge shock.
“Koufax had a cut but didn’t leave his feet,” reported Ken Gurnick at MLB.com. “He told pitching coach Rick Honeycutt he was OK, but a little dizzy. Koufax was taken by cart to the Minor League clubhouse to be examined, before returning to the Major League clubhouse 15 minutes later.
Sandy Koufax just got hit by a line drive during BP. Getting checked out by trainers. Was laughing so seems to be ok
— Eric Stephen (@truebluela) February 21, 2014
With trainer Stan Conte at the wheel, Sandy Koufax was driven off the base, presumably to be examined.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) February 21, 2014
Just saw Koufax drive by in trainers cart to main clubhouse he smiled and waved to crowd as they applauded
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) February 21, 2014
Sandy Koufax just walked into the clubhouse and told us he’s fine.
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) February 21, 2014
Andre Ethier, whose foul ball hit Sandy Koufax: “Your heart kind of leaps out of your body right there for a second.”
— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) February 21, 2014
Update: More from Gurnick:
As if to ease the fears of an entire organization, Sandy Koufax walked into the Dodgers clubhouse after practice Friday.
With sandwich in hand, he was upright, smiling and looking, well, like Sandy Koufax.
“I’m fine,” Koufax said, about an hour after being struck on the forehead by an Andre Ethier line drive during batting practice.
After going for a precautionary CT scan to rule out internal bleeding, Koufax returned to Camelback Ranch and assured reporters that he was healthy. He said this was the first time he had been hit on the head by a ball. He didn’t need stitches on a forehead cut.
“It’s more of a bruise,” he said. “It feels more like a whiplash than anything. It’s not even sore to the touch. I’m a little surprised.”
It looked serious enough when it happened, and the audible thud when the ball struck head was sickening. …
artieboy
That is dangerous stuff. Fingers crossed he’ll be OK!
enchantedbeaver
First lefty Andre’s hit in years.
Dodgers Blue Heaven (@ernestreyes)
LOL…
stanfromtacoma
Scary stuff. It is a wonder it doesn’t happen more often. Maybe it should be mandatory that the new pitchers hats be worn by everyone, players and media, during pregame drills. Not sure if it would have helped Sandy today, but some protection is better than none. Don’t want to see anyone get hurt, particularly the best pitcher I have ever watched during my lifetime
oldbrooklynfan
It good to know he ‘s O,K,