PHOTO: Mets' Torres shows off new protective hat with padding on exterior
After becoming the first pitcher to wear an MLB-approved protective cap a season ago, New York Mets left-hander Alex Torres displayed the latest design for protective headwear on Saturday.
While last year's version had padding built into the interior of his hat, the new design features padding on the exterior.
Snazzy new protective headgear for Alex Torres as he records his first save for the first-place Mets. pic.twitter.com/hsfUjK1LTM
— Jesse Spector (@jessespector) April 19, 2015
"It felt OK, a little weird the first time," Torres told Danny Knobler of ESPN. "I liked the one last year more."
Torres said that he decided to seek out a hat with increased protection after Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Alex Cobb was struck in the head in 2012.
On Tuesday, Cleveland Indians right-hander Carlos Carrasco was struck in the head by a comebacker which fortunately ended in only a sore jaw.
The additional weight didn't appear to be a distraction for Torres, as he struck out the only batter he faced to pick up the first save of his career.