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Rockies' Feltner suffered fractured skull, concussion from liner to head

Andy Cross/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images / Denver Post / Getty

Colorado Rockies pitcher Ryan Feltner sustained a small skull fracture and a concussion as a result of being struck by Nick Castellanos' line drive in Saturday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies, manager Bud Black announced Sunday, according to Danielle Allentuck of the Denver Gazette.

Feltner spent Saturday night in the hospital, where he was placed under observation, and is expected to be released at some point Sunday, Black added. The 26-year-old was in contact with his teammates via text message overnight.

Feltner won't require surgery, but he'll be sidelined for an indefinite period to let his injuries heal.

"Overall, he's fine," Black said. "It could have been worse."

The Rockies placed Feltner on the 15-day injured list Sunday. Right-hander Riley Pint was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque in a corresponding move.

Feltner immediately fell to the ground clutching the back of his head after Castellanos' 92.7-mph liner struck him in the second inning of Saturday's game at Coors Field. After being treated by Rockies trainers for several minutes, he was able to walk off the field under his own power.

(Video source: MLB.com)

"It's not good. A lot of remorse, concern, worry," Castellanos said postgame when asked what he was thinking after his batted ball struck Feltner, per Patrick Lyons of DNVR Rockies. "I've turned into a softy since I had kids, so I don't like stuff like that."

Feltner, now in his third big-league season, owns a 5.86 ERA and 1.75 WHIP with 33 strikeouts and 25 walks through eight starts in 2023.

Peter Lambert relieved Feltner after the injury. The Phillies went on to win the game 7-4.

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