Skip to content

Hamilton suffers facial contusion after Rizzo's HR hits face

Joe Robbins / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Anthony Rizzo's inside-the-park home run in the first inning of Thursday's game proved costly for the Cincinnati Reds far beyond the scoreboard. It may have cost them their center fielder for a long time.

Billy Hamilton suffered a facial contusion when Rizzo's hit deflected off left fielder Adam Duvall's glove and struck Hamilton on the left side of his face, the team told reporters after their 9-2 loss to the Cubs. The 25-year-old was also placed under the league's concussion protocol.

(Courtesy: MLB.com)

Hamilton remained on the ground holding his face for several minutes after the play as Rizzo rounded the bases, then walked off assisted by training staff.

The speedy Hamilton has been slow to get going at the plate this year, hitting .255/.296/.385 with just 18 extra-base hits and 19 stolen bases, but he's made up for those numbers by playing a nearly flawless center field and adding several highlight-reel plays to his resume.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox