Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson exited Friday’s series opener against the Kansas City Royals in the bottom of the seventh inning. He was hit by a pitch in the helmet.
The severity of Torkelson’s injury is unclear, though the 22-year-old rookie appeared fine and willing to stay in the game before walking off the field and into the dugout.
Manager A.J. Hinch and athletic trainer Doug Teter checked on Torkelson near home plate. He was plunked by an 88 mph pitch from Royals starter Brad Keller, who had tossed six-plus scoreless innings.
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Jeimer Candelario replaced Torkelson as a pinch-runner.
Torkelson is batting .194 with 26 walks and 63 strikeouts in 68 games this season. The Tigers drafted him with the No. 1 overall pick in 2020.
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