Pitcher Daniel Norris nearly has head taken off by line drive (Video)

Lansing Lugnuts pitcher Daniel Norris nearly had his head taken off by a line drive up the middle, but the minor leaguer managed to snare the rod with a catch.

Norris was pitching to David Gonzalez of the West Michigan Whitecaps on Thursday when the right-handed batter drilled a line drive up the box on the first pitch he saw. Norris dropped to try ducking the ball, but he was able to throw up his glove for the catch, giving the Lugnuts the second out of the inning. The Lugnuts won the game 2-1.

Norris has struggled this season, posting a 1-7 record and 4.64 ERA for the Toronto Blue Jays’ Single-A affiliate. However, he has had three solid starts in a row, allowing just one run in 14 innings. He can also thank his lucky stars he avoided a trip to the hospital on that chuck-and-duck play.