Posted by Frank Klose
In the 7th inning of tonight's game, Braves pitcher Eric O'Flaherty hit Chase Utley with a pitch in the head so hard that it left this mark on his helmet. At the time, it appeared that only Utley was unaware that he was hit in the head. Soon, he complained of headaches.
Ben Francisco walked for Utley in the 8th inning and Pete Orr replaced him at second base.
The exit is said to be cautionary, but concussions are more and more considered a serious matter in professional sports. In 2011, MLB instituted a new 7-day disabled list for concussed ballplayers.
