The Toronto Blue Jays are out to a 2-0 ALDS series lead after a 5-3 victory over the Texas Rangers on Friday, but their thoughts right now are with left-hander Francisco Liriano, who was forced to exit the game after taking a line drive to the head.
Liriano was on in relief in the bottom of the eighth inning when he was struck in the back of the head/neck area by a comebacker off the bat of Rangers outfielder Carlos Gomez.
Wow! A line drive from CarGo that bounced OFF Liriano's head into center field!! #MLBPlayoffs #TORvsTEX pic.twitter.com/Ya6ntbnTIX
— Mr. Primetime (@MMAforMoney) October 7, 2016
Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet Magazine notes that the ball came off Gomez’s bat at 102 mph, but that Liriano was able to walk off fine. Nevertheless, Liriano has been taken to the hospital in an ambulance with his neck immobilized in a brace.
That ball came off Carlos Gomez's bat at 102-mph. Hit Liriano square in the head. He covered third base and walked off fine. Scary stuff.
— Arden Zwelling (@ArdenZwelling) October 7, 2016
Francisco Liriano is being taken to the hospital.
— Arden Zwelling (@ArdenZwelling) October 7, 2016
Liriano was put in the ambulance on a stretcher; his neck was immobilized in a brace. He's off to the hospital now.
— Arden Zwelling (@ArdenZwelling) October 7, 2016
The 32-year-old Liriano had gone 2-2 with a 2.92 ERA and 52 strikeouts in 10 regular season appearances for the Blue Jays since being acquired at the trade deadline. The team has yet to provide an official update on his condition.
