SEATTLE (AP) — Mariners second baseman Tim Lopes has been hit in the helmet by a pitch during his first major league start.
Lopes staggered away from the plate after getting beaned by a 91 mph fastball from Detroit Tigers starter Drew VerHagen in the third inning Thursday night. The rookie initially stayed in the game, but was replaced by Dylan Moore in the seventh.
Lopes appeared to duck his head at the last instant to prevent the ball from hitting him in the jaw. He was checked by a trainer for a couple of minutes, then walked slowly to first base.