Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jakob Junis was hit in the neck by a line drive during batting practice at PNC Park in Pittsburgh on Monday, April 22, 2024. Junis was standing in the outfield when he was struck by the hard-hit ball off the bat of Pirates infielder Alika Williams.
Junis remained down for about 20 minutes while being treated by medical teams from both the Brewers and Pirates. "He was alert while being loaded onto an ambulance and taken to a hospital for evaluation," the teams said in a joint statement. "Junis was 'conscious, alert and responsive.'"
The 31-year-old right-hander had recently gone on the 15-day injured list on April 6 due to a shoulder impingement. He has made one start this season, allowing one run and three hits in four innings against the Minnesota Twins on April 2.
Earlier on Monday, the Brewers had also placed left-handed starter Wade Miley on the 15-day IL with left elbow inflammation. This comes a day after left-hander DL Hall went on the IL because of a left knee sprain.
Why this matters: The incident highlights the ever-present dangers baseball players face, even during routine practices. It also adds to the mounting injury woes for the Brewers' pitching staff early in the 2024 season.
The Brewers and Pirates are scheduled to open a four-game series on Monday night in Pittsburgh. There has been no immediate update on Junis' condition following his transport to the hospital. The teams said they will provide more information as it becomes available.
Key Takeaways
- Brewers pitcher Jakob Junis struck in neck by line drive during batting practice
- Junis was alert and responsive when transported to hospital for evaluation
- Junis had recently gone on IL due to shoulder impingement, made 1 start this season
- Brewers also placed Wade Miley on IL with left elbow inflammation, DL Hall with knee sprain
- Incident highlights dangers baseball players face, adds to Brewers' early-season pitching woes